Tigers Stayed in Whiff City: Scherzer 20 K's

20 strikeouts for Max Scherzer. That's just amazing. There's some kid out there now that just became a lifelong Nationals fan. I say this because I knew I would be a lifetime Cubs fan after watching Kerry Wood strike out 20 Astros. 

8 different Tigers faced Scherzer wrath. Only Victor Martinez figured out Scherzer enough to not strikeout. He actually had 3 hits. 

Scherzer only threw 119 pitches. 9 innings. 20 strikeouts. 119 pitches. 96 for strikes, 23 balls. No walks. Just a masterful game. 

Scherzer becomes the 4th pitcher to throw a 20 strikeout game. The last since Randy Johnson in 2001. Juiced up Roger Clemens is the only pitcher to throw multiple 20 strikeout games with 2. 

Stephen Strasburg's Record Deal

Cha-Ching!

As reported by Jon Heyman, Stephen Strasburg has signed an extension with the Washington Nationals. The deal is reported to be worth $175 million over 7-years. The deal is a record for any pitcher who has previously underwent Tommy John Surgery. The way the deal works out, Strasburg will be able to opt out after 3 or 4 years. It is also loaded with incentives that could make the deal worth up to $182 million.

Locking down Strasburg solidifies the Nationals' rotation for the foreseeable future. Max Scherzer still has six years left on the $210 million contract he signed in January 2015. The problem with dishing out that much money for two pitchers lies in the fact that Bryce Harper will be a free agent in just a few years. It is hard to imagine that the Nationals will be able to sign him anywhere near what he is worth. The Nationals need to begin their move now before they lose Harper. Their championship window will be closing up fast.

-Dug

@chansm1th