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.
Congrats to Trevor Bauer’s for winning GIF of the Week! He barely edged out Noah Syndergaard’s 98 MPH Two-Seamer with some incredible front-door movement.
Luis Severino’s Fastball – I could watch this pitch on repeat for ages as Severino hits the low and away spot perfectly for the strikeout at a blazing 97 MPH. It’s hard not to love the little strut he gives after releasing the pitch.
Sergio Romo’s Slider – It can be tough to fully appreciate how difficult it is for batters to hit major league pitchers. While the first shot displays what seems to be a good – not elite – Slider from Romo, the second angle from behind the catcher gives us a chance to see the wicked movement Romo has had all of these years. (Thanks to @bovine1der for the tip!)
Clayton Kershaw’s Curveball – Another weekend, another beautiful Kershaw hook from the best pitcher in the majors. There really isn’t a better Curveball around.
Jake Arrieta’s Slider – It was a fantastic no-hitter from the true Cubs ace, and while some may look to his later pitches, this Slider to Andre Either stood out. Why? This pitch came in at 92.81 MPH. Sinkerballers get less bite than Arrieta gets on this pitch at the same speed. Crazy.
Raisel Iglesias‘ Fastball – Iglesias’ side-winding motion allows him to get incredible ride on his Fastballs, and this one darted across the entire plate as he struck out Khris Davis.
Jeurys Familia’s Splitter – Just like Arrieta, Familia is able to generate a boatload of vertical movement at unfathomable speeds. This Splitter comes in at a startling 95.5 MPH. Seriously? That’s legal? (Thanks to @Jerichobp for the tip!)
Kyle Gibson’s Curveball – Gibson isn’t known for having swing and miss stuff, but he sure made Jose Altuve look silly chasing this Curveball down and away. (Thanks to Reddit user Gallade3 for the tip!)
Francisco Liriano’s Fastball – It hasn’t been the best stretch for Liriano lately, but he still has excellent horizontal ride on his Fastball. Check it out here as he struck out opposing pitcher Jon Gray.
Garrett Richards‘ Curveball – Richards has one big Curveball and made Francisco Lindor flail wildly as this pitch goes from nose to toes. Notice the ‘pop-the-gun’ of Richards’ finger as he release to help him generate extra spin on the ball and get added depth.
GIF Of The Weekend
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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