Washington Nationals starter Max Scherzer will start the 2018 MLB All-Star Game in his own park, and will face off on the mound against Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale on Tuesday night, the first time in 78 years the midsummer classic had the same starting pitchers in back-to-back seasons.
It’s Chris Sale vs. Max Scherzer for the second All-Star Game in a row
First time since 1939-40 the midsummer classic has the same starters in back-to-back years.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The starting pitchers were announced on Monday in Washington D.C., alongside National League manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and American League manager A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros. Sale (188) and Scherzer (182) are the top two strikeout pitchers in the major leagues this season.
Scherzer has a 2.41 ERA in 20 starts with the Nationals, leading the NL with 134⅔ innings. This is his his third All-Star Game start. In addition to 2017, the right-hander also started in 2013 for the American League as a member of the Detroit Tigers.
“There are so many emotions when you know you’re pitching in your home park, Scherzer said. “In my previous experiences of being in the All-Star Game, seeing how the fans get behind hometown players it’s always been a special moment watching that from afar and being on the other side. I can only imagine what it will be like having the Nats fans here supporting all of us.
“This is a dream come true.”
This marks the first time the All-Star Game has had the same starting pitchers in consecutive seasons since Red Ruffing of the New York Yankees and Paul Derringer of the Cincinnati Reds faced off in the 1939 and 1940 games.
Sale is 10-4 with a 2.23 ERA for a Red Sox team that enters the break with the best record in the majors at 68-30. This is his third consecutive All-Star start, just the third pitcher even to do that, joining Lefty Gomez (1933-35) and Robin Roberts (1953-55).
“He is truly a special pitcher in out league. He is truly someone who deserves this honor,” said Astros manager A.J. Hinch, managing the American League All-Stars.
The All-Star Game will be played at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and will be televised by Fox, with Joe Buck and John Smoltz on the call and dugout reports from Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci. Online streaming is available through Fox Sports Go.
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