Max Scherzer to Start ALCS Game 7 for Texas Rangers against Houston Astros

Mad Max Scherzer starts Game 7 of the AL Championship Series for the Texas Rangers after a rollercoaster postseason.

In a thrilling turn of events, Mad Max is set to take the mound for the Texas Rangers in their quest to win the pennant. This monumental occasion comes four years after the esteemed three-time Cy Young Award winner started Game 7 of the World Series for the Washington Nationals, where they emerged victorious against the Houston Astros in a historic best-of-seven postseason series that saw the away team triumph in every game.

The Rangers, despite facing adversity with three consecutive losses in the ALCS at home, managed to force a Game 7 by dominating with a resounding 9-2 win on Sunday night. Notably, they also secured victories in Games 1 and 2 in Houston, showcasing their tenacity and determination.

Scherzer, unfortunately, suffered a defeat in Game 3 after returning from a month-long absence due to a right shoulder strain. Despite this setback, the 39-year-old right-hander displayed resilience, allowing five runs and five hits over four innings while throwing 63 pitches. He finished strong by striking out the last two batters he faced with a runner on base, leaving a lasting impression.

On the opposing side, Cristian Javier, the victorious pitcher in Game 3 for the defending World Series champions, will once again take the mound for the Houston Astros. The 26-year-old right-hander has proven his mettle in postseason games, boasting an impressive record of 6-1 with a remarkable 2.08 ERA in 16 appearances. He has excelled in all four of his starts, conceding only five hits and two runs over 22 innings. In this series alone, he allowed just two runs and three hits over 5 2/3 innings, further solidifying his status as a formidable force.

These high-stakes games are precisely what the Rangers envisioned when they acquired Scherzer from the New York Mets in a trade-deadline deal earlier this season. The team placed their hopes on his seasoned expertise and unmatched skillset to lead them to victory.

This will be Scherzer's 24th postseason start, a testament to his remarkable career spanning five different teams. His sole experience in a Game 7 occurred during the 2019 World Series, where he delivered a commendable performance, allowing only two runs over five innings. Unfortunately, he did not secure the decision in the Nationals' 6-2 triumph. However, he did emerge victorious in Game 1 of that series before being delayed due to nerve irritation near his neck. Undeterred, he returned for the final game after receiving a cortisone shot.

Following Game 3 of the ALCS, Scherzer expressed satisfaction with the condition of his arm, emphasizing its importance. He believed he had more to offer but respected manager Bruce Bochy's decision to remove him from the game with the Astros leading 5-0.

Scherzer's postseason record stands at 7-8 with a 3.80 ERA, encompassing his appearances for the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Mets. The only other pitcher to start playoff games for five different teams was David Wells, who accomplished this feat for the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and San Diego Padres from 1989 to 2006.