Texas Rangers’ ace Max Scherzer had a disappointing return to the mound in Game 3 of the ALCS series against the Houston Astros. Making his 2023 postseason debut, Scherzer allowed five runs in four innings of action and shoulders much of the blame for his team’s 8-5 loss.
Scherzer, who was sidelined for more than a month while dealing with a shoulder strain, didn’t seem in complete command of his pitches from the start. He particularly struggled with a slider, a pitch that served him well throughout his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
Scherzer allowed five hits before being pulled out in the fourth inning. This included a 25th career postseason homer for Houston’s second baseman Jose Altuve.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Scherzer said that he knows what he needs to do in order to be better next time.
“It comes down to execution,” said Scherzer. “I know what I need to do.”
Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy, on the other hand, wasn’t that tough on Scherzer.
“He’s going to be a little rusty overall,” said Bochy. “I was really pleased with his stuff. It’s only going to get better. … He feels good, that’s what important.”
