Max Scherzer Apr 8, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (21) delivers a second inning pitch against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets made a blockbuster signing with the addition of Max Scherzer over the offseason on a three-year, $130 million contract. Scherzer dealt with a hamstring injury in spring training that put his early-season status in doubt. That indeed moved him off the Opening Day start (with Jacob deGrom also out for a long while), but Scherzer was able to start Game 2- and that came against the team he won two Cy Young Awards and a World Series championship with.

Scherzer went six innings against the Washington Nationals on Friday night at Nationals Park, allowing three earned runs, three hits, one walk, and striking out six batters over 80 pitches (there was also plenty of drama while the Mets were batting). He also got the win, in a 7-3 Mets victory.

He allowed a home run, which was a massive two-run blast by Josh Bell. This dinger went an estimated 443 feet, with a 112.2 mph exit velocity.

Scherzer gave up a few 112 mph batted balls in this game, which is certainly notable considering how infrequently that happened in the past.

Additionally, he got zero whiffs with his four-seam fastball, something that hasn’t happened — in outings he didn’t leave with an injury — since 2010.

But for the first start of the season, and after battling the hamstring issue in recent weeks, the Mets will gladly take six solid innings from Scherzer- especially in a winning effort.

Here’s more reaction to Scherzer’s Mets debut:

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

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