Max Scherzer lasted four innings in his first start in more than a month, leaving with a five-run deficit in an 8-5 loss to the Astros on Wednesday night that cut the Rangers' series lead to 2-1.
to make at least one more start, perhaps as many as three -- and they will need him to perform a lot better than he did Wednesday night against the Astros, when he allowed five runs in four innings.
Making his first appearance in a major league game in 36 days, Scherzer struggled to command his slider, the pitch that has been a difference-maker for him throughout his career. The Rangers couldn't make up the deficit, losing 8-5 to see their ALCS lead cut to 2-1. "It comes down to execution," said Scherzer, who talked over and again about how he was not able to complete pitches as he intended, his words tumbling quietly and quickly in front of his locker."I know what I need to do."
Scherzer's first pitch was 95 mph, even more velocity than Rangers manager Bruce Bochy hoped for; given Scherzer's long layoff, Bochy mentioned before the game that he'd be pleased if Scherzer reached 93 mph. And Scherzer spun his curveball effectively.But his slider was not sharp, and he couldn't wield it to finish off hitters, as he has so often in his career. Scherzer threw 13 sliders and allowed more hits with the pitch than he generated missed swings.
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