Weekend’s Best Pitching Matchups

Friday: Nationals RHP Max Scherzer vs. Diamondbacks RHP Matt Koch

Max Scherzer has been dominant as usual. In his last start, the 2 time CY Young winner struck out 15 batters in 6 1/3 innings. He leads the majors in K’s with 80 and has struck out at least 10 in 5 of 8 this season. Barring a complete collapse or injury, Scherzer will definitely be in the race for his third CY Young.

Matt Koch will attempt to do the impossible again on Friday when he takes the mound against another former Cy Young. So far Koch is 2-0 in four starts on the season but the crazy stat is that both wins have come against former Cy Young winners in Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw. Can Koch go for the trifecta?

Saturday: Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard vs. Phillies RHP Zack Eflin

Noah Syndergaard has been quietly effective recently turning in four straight quality starts with a 3.20 ERA. The Mets, however, need domination as they’ve slipped from first to fourth in the division. The Mets need to get on a roll after the bad blood from Harvey has been purged.

Zach Eflin took over Ben Lively’s spot in the Phillies rotation last week and has run with it. He has only given up one solo shot in 12.2 innings as a starter and with this new confidence; his fastball has improved as well. He’s added nearly 2mph to his four-seam heater. Eflin will try to do what other Phillies can’t; beat a division foe. The Phillies are 7-13 against the rest of the NL East.

Sunday: Twins RHP Fernando Romero vs. Angels RHP Shohei Ohtani

In this battle of rookies, Twins starter Fernando Romero looks to keep his spotless record intact as he faces the Angels in his third start. The rookie has yet to give up a run this season and is currently sporting a 2-0 record with 14k’s in 11.2 innings.

After rolling his ankle two weeks ago and missing a start against the Orioles, Ohtani turned in a quality start against the Mariners. He gave up two runs and two walks in six plus innings. He is currently 3-1 with a 4.10 ERA in his first MLB campaign.

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