Every morning, we review the nastiest pitches from the previous day’s games in glorious high-definition GIFs. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite pitch and check back this weekend to see if it will be in contention for the Nastiest Pitches of the Season GIF Tournament. Did we miss your favorite pitch? Send us a tweet next time @PitcherList, and we’ll GIF it up and give you a shoutout here in the article.
Stephen Strasburg’s Changeup
https://gfycat.com/fantasticforkedastarte
Though it ultimately wasn’t needed due to the Nats’ late offensive explosion, Stephen Strasburg pitched relatively well for Washington in this contest, which gives it a 2-0 lead in the series. Over six innings of work, Strasburg allowed two earned runs, striking out seven Astros in the process. Pitching in the first World Series of his 10-year career, Stras might not need to make another start at this rate.
Joshua James’ Slider
https://gfycat.com/hiddensphericalalpinegoat
Pegged by many as a potential breakout stud this season, Josh James didn’t have things go his way with a 4.70 ERA and just a single start. Coincidentally, things also did not go his way in this game, as he allowed three runs and three baserunners.
Justin Verlander’s Fastball
https://gfycat.com/defiantvariablefawn
In all fairness to the Astros bullpen that let this one get away from them, Justin Verlander had already had a poor outing. The aging superstar allowed 10 baserunners and four earned runs in a poor follow-up to his solid 2017 World Series performance.
Chris Devenski’s Slider
https://gfycat.com/sophisticatedimpassionedamericanbulldog
Making his first appearance since the regular season, Chris Devenski wasn’t great, but that really didn’t matter much for a Houston squad that was already dead in the water. Since making an All-Star Game in 2017, Devenski has a 4.56 ERA in 111 relief appearances.
GIF of the Night
Which was your favorite pitch? Vote below, and the winner will be featured in the Nastiest Pitches of the Season GIF Tournament.