Max Scherzer strikes out 11, allows zero runs in return

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer had a triumphant return to the mound. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Mets' Max Scherzer strikes out 11, allows zero runs in first game back from IL

By Adam Stites | Last updated 7/5/22

New York Mets ace Max Scherzer returned to the mound after more than six weeks on the injured list and picked up exactly where he left off in May.

In a six-inning outing against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, Scherzer struck out 11 batters, allowed only two hits, and held the Reds scoreless. Despite his dominant showing, Scherzer was ineligible for the win with the score tied 0-0 when he was relieved by Joely Rodriguez in the seventh inning.

Scherzer, 37, signed a massive three-year, $130 million deal with the Mets in the offseason. In eight starts earlier in the season, Scherzer had a 5-1 record with a 2.54 ERA and 59 strikeouts. His 11 strikeouts against Cincinnati are a season-high, and the six shutout innings dropped his ERA to 2.26.

.@Max_Scherzer's 11th strikeout of the night! pic.twitter.com/YT33inCpti
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 6, 2022

Scherzer was out of action due to an oblique strain, dealing a tough blow to a Mets rotation that has been without Jacob deGrom all season due to a stress reaction in his right scapula. On Sunday, deGrom made a rehab start with the Mets' Single-A affiliate, and he's reportedly expected to return later in July.

Despite missing its top two pitchers, New York is atop the NL East and entered Tuesday with a 50-30 record.

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