It is no stretch to suggest that Max Scherzer might have turned in the greatest nine-inning pitching performance in major league history on Saturday night at Citi Field. It was unquestionably unique: the first no-hitter ever to feature no walks and at least 17 strikeouts.
The circumstances, of course, could not match Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series. Scherzer’s team, the Washington Nationals, was out of the playoff race, and the Mets, though playing for home-field advantage in the first round, had already clinched a spot.
But the heights of dominance Scherzer reached can hardly be overstated.