WASHINGTON — Rookie left-hander DJ Herz made historical past on the mound at Nationals Park within the Nats’ 4-0 win over the Marlins on Saturday.
Herz, the Nats’ No. 12 prospect per MLB Pipeline, joins Stephen Strasburg as the one pitchers with greater than 13 strikeouts and 0 walks in certainly one of his first three main league video games, courting again to no less than 1901. 14 strikeouts on June 8, 2010 in opposition to the Pirates.
“It nonetheless does not really feel actual,” Herz stated. “it is a fantastic feeling.”
Herz, 23, was good by means of 4 innings, together with eight strikeouts. He didn’t permit a base runner till he gave up a single to Jake Burger within the prime of the fifth. He accomplished the day with 84 pitches (57 strikeouts).
“Hit one, hit one, hit one,” supervisor Dave Martinez stated. “I believe he solely fell behind by two runs. He was pounding the strike zone, which is one thing we have been speaking concerning the final couple days about utilizing your fastball, going ahead. He was actually good, actually good. He gave us 18 massive runs.”
Hurz delivered his four-seam fastball, which reached 94.7 mph, on 52 p.c of his pitches, whereas additionally working the changeup (35 p.c), cutter (10 p.c), and slider (4 p.c). Herz had anticipated to recommend to strategist Sean Doolittle on Friday that finding change within the area can be “key” — and he was proper.
“His changeup was profitable at the moment,” Marlins supervisor Skip Schumaker stated. “… When he can throw it for strikes and prolong with two strikes, it is very efficient when he is bombing the zone with the fastball as nicely. When you possibly can throw the fastball up prime to hit it after which tunnel it off the changeup, it is onerous to hit. … I hate tipping my hat typically to an opposing pitcher.” However at the moment was a extremely good day for him and a tricky day for us.
Herz reached the Nationals’ highest strikeout complete since Max Scherzer (14) on Might 8, 2021, in opposition to the Yankees. He recorded the second-most hits in a recreation by a Nationals rookie (2005-present), and have become the sixth rookie to file double-digit hits in a recreation, becoming a member of Strasburg (14 and 10) and John Lannan (11). And Reynaldo. Lopez (11), Joe Ross (11), Josiah Grey (10).
Amongst his friends, he holds the mark for strikeouts by a left-handed rookie this season; Solely Yankees right-hander Luis Gale has recorded extra hits in 2024 (14).
“Truthfully, I am happier with the ban than the strolling ban,” Herz stated. “If I do not stroll with the fellows, I’ll beat them up. That is the best way it is at all times been. It is all about being within the zone, and after we do not stroll, we’ll have a superb day.”
Hurz, who was acquired from the Cubs group final season within the Jeimer Candelario commerce, made his debut on June 4. He entered the sport with a 6.48 ERA over his first two video games (8 1/3 innings), however his ERA dropped to three.77 after that. Longest outing of his profession.
“He did an incredible job of staying degree headed the entire time,” stated catcher Drew Milas, who additionally caught Hires. 10-strike performance on May 30 With Triple-A Rochester. “I am positive his confidence has undoubtedly gone up, however I believe you’ve got by no means seen him get too anxious on the mound, and he hasn’t had any main misses. Normally that is an indicator that he is very closed off and quiet, and it was good to see him at the moment.”
Hurz credited fellow rookie Jake Irvin for lately encouraging him to be a “chilly killer” on the mound and “put all of it on the road,” which has helped him play in a movement state. Saturday’s eye-catching outing was essentially the most relaxed and comfy he’d ever felt.
“I believe that was most likely the perfect recreation I’ve ever performed,” Herz stated. “To do it at this degree is a superb feeling. I am simply completely satisfied to have enjoyable with these guys at the moment.
