Scherzer solid in Minor League Game vs Astros

Today was a rare off day for the majority of the remaining Detroit Tigers still in camp.  However, Max Scherzer was pitching on a practice field behind Joker Marchant Stadium in a minor league game against the Houston Astros.

What exactly is that like?

I’m glad you asked.

Three practice fields are scattered behind Joker Marchant Stadium. While the practice fields have limited seating, the atmosphere is very relaxed. You can stand right next to the Tigers dugout, which is nothing more than a caged in bench that reminds you of little league. A waist high fence separates the two fields and players and coaches can be heard throughout the game. Today for a good fifteen minutes Jim Leyland walked up and talked baseball with various guests. It’s free, there is only a handful of people there and it is yet another reason why I love Tiger Town.

Now that that’s out of the way, follow the jump to read my game notes from Scherzer’s day.

Yesterday, Tigers beat writer Jason Beck explained why Scherzer would be pitching on his day off…

"By pitching Wednesday instead of waiting for the off-day, Scherzer can be on turn to make his final Spring Training start Monday against the Orioles rather than Tuesday against the Yankees, the same team he’s scheduled to face in his first regular-season start a week from Sunday in the Bronx."

Watching some free baseball sounded awesome, so once again I was Lakeland bound.

Scherzer cruised through seven innings today, allowing just one run. The run came in the second inning after a lead-off double and a wild pitch put Scherzer in an early jam. Scherzer finished with five strikeouts. He allowed four hits and induced five ground balls today.Aside from the second and fourth inning, Scherzer worked extremely fast and breezed through the Astros lineup. He had seven innings in the book in well under 90 minutes.

ON DECK:

Thursday night at 6pm the Detroit Tigers return to action against the Washington National in a rare night game. Detroit will hand the ball to Rick Porcello. As usual, I will feature in game tweets and a post game re-cap, so be sure to follow me on twitter.

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