Max Scherzer, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, is set to make history by starting his second winner-take-all Game 7 in the World Series. He will face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Shohei Ohtani taking the mound for the opposing team.
Scherzer previously started a Game 7 in the 2019 World Series, where he received a cortisone injection for a nerve issue near his neck. Despite a rocky start, he left the game after five innings with his team trailing by two runs, only for the Washington Nationals to come back and secure a 6-2 victory in Houston.
Joining a select group of pitchers, including Bob Gibson and Lew Burdette, Scherzer, now 41 years old, signed a one-year contract worth $15.5 million with the Blue Jays. The seasoned player, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, aims to clinch his third World Series title, having previously won with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. His valuable experience has been shared with his new team in Toronto.
While Scherzer faced challenges during the season, including a hiatus due to thumb inflammation, he made a strong comeback during the American League Championship Series, demonstrating his leadership and determination on the field.
On the opposing side, the Dodgers’ decision to start Ohtani is strategic, given the rules allowing pitchers who start as designated hitters to remain in the game after pitching. Ohtani, known for his versatility, has excelled both as a batter and a pitcher, showcasing his skills in the World Series.
As the World Series reaches its climax with a decisive Game 7, both teams are poised for an intense battle for the championship title. The Blue Jays and the Dodgers have their sights set on victory, each with their own historic moments and aspirations on the line.