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! It wasn’t even close this week, earning hundreds more votes than the runner-up as Sanchez hurled 97 mph with fantastic lateral movement.
Jake Arrieta’s Fastball – Jake took care of business against the rival Pirates, fanning 11 batters en route to another Chicago win. If you’re wondering how Arrieta is so dominant, just watch the sink on this 94 mph Fastball that easily induced a a whiff from Jordy Mercer.
Max Scherzer’s Changeup – Since his small obstacles in May, Scherzer threatens to make history every night he pitches. He turned on the jets after striking out just one batter in the first two innings, collecting nine Ks in his final four frames. Our favorite of the evening was to Derek Norris on a Changeup that dove into his knee and well under the lumberjack’s bat.
Julio Urias‘ Curveball – Urias has defended the massive hype surrounding the 19-year-old with his last three starts for the Dodgers. The lastest was an eight strikeout effort in just five innings where he gave his best Clayton Kershaw impression with this fantastic hook. (Thanks to Redditor ClaytonKoufax for the tip!)
Drew Storen’s Slider – Earlier in the season, Storen threw what was regarded as an early front-runner for GIF of the year. In case you forgot he had this weapon in his arsenal, this unreal breaker to Francisco Pena should do the trick. (Thanks to Redditor jay_xxii for the tip!)
A.J. Ramos’ Changeup – It has been a somewhat smooth year for Ramos as the closer in Miami – especially compared to last year’s Cishek debacle – and he started this ninth inning strong by fanning Charlie Blackmon with a dirty Changeup. (Thanks to Redditor TFP360 for the tip!)
Joe Ross‘ Slider – While he still hasn’t tapped into his full upside this season, Ross’ Slider has made Nationals fans excited for their young hurler, especially when it can do unreal things like this. Poor Ryan Schimpf. (Thanks to @fawkes_mulder for the tip!)
David Price’s Changeup – Price was on fire for Father’s Day as he cruised through the Mariners lineup. He started strong, earning his first strikeout of the evening with one of his better Changeups of the season to Franklin Gutierrez.
Seung-Hwan Oh’s Slider – The Final Boss has been a welcome addition to the Cardinals’ bullpen, debilitating batters with a hard Fastball, heavy Splitter, and this sharp Slider. Watch it fall late and off the table to Mitch Moreland for the K. (Thanks to Redditor BromCJ for the tip!)
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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