Every morning we review the nastiest 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 First Half. 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.
Congrats to Aaron Sanchez’s Fastball for winning GIF of the Week! Sanchez barely edged out Matt Bush, who also featured crazy good movement on his heater.
Alex Reyes‘ Fastball – The futures game was played in San Diego yesterday and Reyes stole the show as he demolished batters left and right. His most impressive pitch may have been this 100+ mph fastball that featured late life for the strikeout. (Thanks to @stlCupofJoe for the tip!)
Stephen Strasburg’s Slider – Not to be outdone by Noah Syndergaard, Strasburg featured a hard Slider of his own at 92 mph. It shocked James Loney as it bore into his knees, leading to an easy strikeout for the 27-year-old National stud.
Michael Wacha’s Changeup – Wacha’s best pitch is his Changeup as it mimics the look of his Fastball to a T. He executed it perfectly to Ryan Braun, causing the Brewers slugger to strand a runner on second.
Aaron Sanchez’s Fastball – It feels like cheating to use yet another Sanchez Fastball, but the ride on this Sinker is just too good to pass up. Ian Kinsler didn’t have a chance. (Thanks to @34bigcheese and Redditor raybond007 for the tip!)
Jose Fernandez’s Curveball – It was business as usual for JoFer as the Reds visited Miami Park. The All-Star flamethrower collected eight Ks for the evening, including one to Zack Cozart on this excellent bender. (Thanks to Redditor TFP360 for the tip!)
Noah Syndergaard’s Slider – Bad news aside of Thor leaving the game early in the fifth inning with arm fatigue, he still gave a plethora of filth before his exit. He struck out Bryce Harper with a well placed 90 mph Slider down and in that would have had any player whiffing. (Thanks to Redditor TheBrimic for the tip!)
Mike Foltynewicz’s Fastball – Folty had a career high 10 strikeouts as he was able to command all his pitches effectively against the ChiSox. Case in point, watch him paint the black with a 98 mph heater that Todd Fraizer couldn’t catch up to.
Steven Matz’s Curveball – Despite allowing a 2-run HR in the first inning, Matz was able to keep the Mets in the game against their rivals through seven innings. He was using his hook often, and sent Anthony Rendon back to the dugout with this Curveball that travelled across the entire plate.
GIF Of The Weekend
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below and the winner will be featured in the GIF of the First Half contest.
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