Every morning we review the five best pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious HD GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the “GIF of the Week”. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @ThePitcherList and we’ll GIF it up + give you a shoutout here in the article.
Yordano Ventura’s Curveball – Ventura was straight dealing as he brought down 11 batters in just six innings of work, and his Curveball was public enemy #1. This may seem like an unassuming strikeout from a check swing until you realize this pitch was recorded at a blistering 89.97 MPH. Houston Astros pitcher Mike Fiers throws Fastballs slower than Ventura’s Curveball. Just think about that. (Thanks to Reddit user g00dn1ghtm4r3 for the tip!)
Drew Storen’s Slider – Washington reliever Drew Storen has had himself a monster year in the pen for the Nationals, and his Slider has earned a spot into this roundup in the past. He threw a filthy slide piece to Clint Barmes that disappears well off the plate for strike two. (Thanks to @celaskowski for the tip!)
Aaron Sanchez’s Fastball – Sanchez has settled in nicely as the set-up man in Toronto and is still confusing batters with one of the livelier Fastballs in the league. Here Shin-Soo Choo can’t help but jump in the batter’s box before this front-door heater finds its way back over the plate. (Thanks to Reddit user Joslap for the tip!)
Gerrit Cole’s Slider – 2015 has been a breakout year for the Pittsburgh ace as he now holds a sparkling 2.44 ERA through 26 games on the hill. His Slider has accumulated an excellent 8.4 Runs Above Average along the way, which should come to no surprise after watching this one bend to Justin Bour.
Joe Ross‘ Slider – The Nationals have to be pleased with the performances of their rookie pitcher, and Ross shutdown his former team en route to a Washington victory Thursday night. Just like his brother Tyson, he relies heavily on a wicked Slider and it looked pretty against Justin Upton. (Thanks to Reddit user fawkesmulder for the tip!)
Matt Shoemaker’s Fastball – The mystery of Shoemaker continued against the Tigers on Thursday as he went seven innings of shutout ball. He commanded his Fastball well including this backwards K to Tyler Collins in the fourth.
Carlos Rodon’s Slider – Rodon has some excellent stuff featuring a wipeout Slider that dismantles batters left and right. Don’t worry Jesus Montero, most batters would have also whiffed at this deadly Slider.
GIF Of The Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below and the winner will be featured in this weekend’s “GIF of the Week” contest.
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