Every morning, the We Love Baseball crew reviews the Nastiest Pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. We want to bring you the highest caliber of nastiness possible, so if you see a nasty pitch, please tell us about it. You can tweet @PitcherList to let us know, and we’ll give you a shout-out here in the article if your tip makes the cut.
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Justin Verlander’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/blankajarafricanwildcat
In his final tune-up for the postseason, Justin Verlander tossed five no-hit innings and picked up an impressive ten strikeouts. Eight of the ten came on the slider, like this one to Brandon Marsh.
Taijuan Walker’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/courteousunconsciousfly
Taijuan Walker started the second game of the Mets’ doubleheader and while he did not complete five innings, managed to collect ten strikeouts. Of the ten, six came on his splitter, including this one to Luis García in the fourth.
Zac Gallen’s Knuckle-Curve
https://gfycat.com/honestornatehyena
Zac Gallen would be tagged with the loss in his final start of the season, but that shouldn’t diminish the dominance he displayed in the 2022 campaign. Gallen struck out six on Tuesday and put away Hunter Renfroe on a knuckle curve that completely fell off the table.
Eric Lauer’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/entirevaluableanophelesmosquito
Starting opposite Gallen was Eric Lauer who provided the recently eliminated Brewers with six no-hit innings. He struck out seven total and punched out Carson Kelly on a great back-foot slider.
Nathan Eovaldi’s Curveball
https://gfycat.com/gleaminglivelyfrogmouth
A rainy day in Boston cut this game short allowing Nathan Eovaldi to complete the full five-inning shutout. He struck out four and got Wander Franco to flail at this back-foot breaking ball.
Jeffrey Springs‘ Changeup
https://gfycat.com/decentdefinitedromaeosaur
Jeffrey Springs started the rain-shortened contest for the Rays allowing a single run over his three innings. He started off the game with a strikeout of Tommy Pham on a changeup with some great downward action.
Adam Ottavino’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/realathleticanole
Adam Ottavino picked up five outs in relief as the Mets swept the doubleheader over the Nationals. Ottavino struck out a pair, both on sliders, and ended his outing with a punchout of Luke Voit.
Alex Cobb’s Splitter
https://gfycat.com/drearyrightcockatiel
Alex Cobb finished off his 2022 season with five one-run innings and picked up seven Ks along the way. Cobb recorded five of those via the splitter and threw a particularly nasty one to Trent Grisham to start the fifth.
Eduardo Rodriguez’s Cutter
https://gfycat.com/hardtofindskinnygreathornedowl
Eduardo Rodriguez started the matinee of the Tigers’ doubleheader in Seattle and left in line for the win, though the Mariners would come back to win in extras. E-Rod struck out seven and froze Ty France on a nifty back-door cutter.
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns of Twitter)