“They’re perfectionists.”

New York Mets one-two punchers Justin Verlander (40) and Max Scherzer (38) are pitching with aplomb. Their combined age is 78. They’re old enough to call it quits, but they still pack a punch on the mound. For them, age is just a number.

Scherzer and Verlander were on fire against the Cleveland Cavaliers of the 2023 Major League Baseball at Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y., on Sept. 22. In the first game, which was postponed due to rain the day before, Scherzer pitched six innings of three-hit ball with one walk and five strikeouts. His quality start (six innings of three earned runs or less) led to a 5-4 victory.

In game two, Verlander pitched eight innings of three-hit ball, allowing one earned run and striking out five to earn a Quality Start Plus (seven innings of three earned runs or less) in a 2-1 win. Verlander threw 98 pitches to complete the eight innings. Behind the veteran pitchers, the Mets earned the series sweep.

MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, also highlighted the performances of Verlander and Scherzer. “There have only been 25 games this year in which a starting pitcher has gone eight innings, and the 40-year-old was able to do it while throwing his fastball,” the publication said, adding that “Verlander and Scherzer combined to allow just one run in 14 innings, which was crucial to the victory.

Teammates who watched the veterans perform from afar were equally impressed. Francisco Lindor said, “Verlander and Schuerzer are perfectionists. They strive to hone their skills every day. “When they’re not pitching, they’re working on how to get better,” said Francisco Lindor, who attested to the lengths to which Verlander and Scherzer go to stay on top of their game.메이저사이트

It was a pitch their opponents could appreciate. Cleveland outfielder Miles Straw, who played with Verlander’s parent team, the Houston Astros, said, “He’s a Hall of Famer. I felt like he got better and better as the game went on.”

Verlander signed a two-year, $86 million deal with the Mets before the season. In four starts, he is 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA. Scherzer is 3-2 with a 4.01 ERA in seven starts after being suspended for PED use and dealing with injuries and controversy. He seems to be getting back to his old self.