“He’s a Bulldog”- Despite Being the ‘Worst’ Playoff Pitcher, Max Scherzer Receives Boost of Confidence From Derek Jeter Ahead of Crucial Game 7

Max Scherzer, once a pitching titan, crumbled on the mound in Thursday’s Game 3 of the ALCS. Rangers fans were left stunned and questioning his abilities as victory slipped through their fingers. Tagged as the worst pitcher of the postseason era circa 2020, Scherzer is now set to show off his preceding prowess once again.

With Game 7 being the looming oracle of the tie between the Astros and Rangers, Max Scherzer has got a lot going on, with the team’s pitching responsibility once again adorning his shoulders. Ex-Yankees shortstop and Fox analyst Derek Jeter shared his views on Max Scherzer, who is set to pitch for the Rangers in ALCS Game 7. Will the pitcher rock or roll?

A Closer Look at Max Scherzer and His Bulldog Mentality on the Mound

In a heart-to-heart with Steve Serby of the NY Post, Derek Jeter discussed some of the key features that make Max Scherzer the pillar of strength that he is. He pointed out the differences between Old Scherzer and his new self, stating, “When he came up in Detroit, and it was him and Verlander pitching on the same pitching staff, he’s got that mental toughness, he wants to finish everything he starts.”

Jeter further highlighted about the baseball star never wanting to come out of the game directly. He mentioned appreciating that character when one plays against a player of such mindset. The 49-year-old even added further, “But he’s a bulldog, and I’ve always respected that about him.”

That tough mentality showed in his 11-strikeout record against the Angels this season. Legendary shortstop Corey Seager commented on that performance to an MLB representative: “He takes the ball every five days and goes out and proves it.”. Will he prove it again in tomorrow’s game?

A Glimpse into Mad Max’s Work Ethics and Training Regimen

Scherzer is famous for his 365-pound squats. He also has a reputation for being strict with his in-season workout, besides regular pre-game warm-ups. And his work ethic doesn’t fall much behind his gritty running routine. Scherzer is also known for internalizing his injuries and using them as a motivational factor—to the extent that people outside his team never even got to know about the injuries he’d faced. Why is nobody pitching for the Man-Of-Steal moniker already?

Read More: Despite Ruling the Division All Season, This Texas Rangers Star Sees His Team as the Ultimate “Underdog”

For their next game, the Rangers have chosen an interesting lineup, putting all hands on the deck. Pitcher Max Scherzer will be accompanied by hitter Mitch Garver, along with Marcus Semien as the 2B and shortstop Corey Seager. Game 7 is set to happen in Minute Maid Park at 5.33 a.m. ET tomorrow.

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