Max Scherzer Defeated Reds in Season Finale

Max Scherzer pitched seven-plus innings to secure a win against the Cincinnati Reds.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Baseball

Max Scherzer Defeated Reds in Season Finale

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Would you watch a 42-year-old veteran athlete compete for another season?

Max Scherzer closed out his 2026 baseball season by defeating the Cincinnati Reds. The veteran pitcher allowed only one run over seven-plus innings of work.

Why it matters

The performance marked a significant workload for Scherzer, who pitched on just three days' rest. The outing served as the final game of the year for the 41-year-old pitcher.

Scherzer concluded his 2026 campaign with a 4-9 record and a 5.74 ERA. Over his career, he has accumulated a 225-126 record with a 3.29 ERA and 3,557 strikeouts.

The players

Max Scherzer

He is an accomplished veteran MLB pitcher who has maintained a career record of 225-126 over his long tenure in the league.

Cincinnati Reds

They are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati that competed against Scherzer in his final 2026 season game.

The details

Scherzer navigated the Cincinnati lineup by recording seven strikeouts while allowing five singles and one double. He issued only one walk during his seven-plus inning appearance.

Timeline

  1. September 27, 2026: Max Scherzer defeated the Cincinnati Reds.

  2. 2020: The last time Scherzer reached a 114-pitch count.

Season Trajectory

Scherzer's usage highlights the rare reliance on veteran durability as teams manage specialized bullpens. His ability to sustain a high pitch count influences how franchises evaluate aging starters heading into the off-season.

Scherzer finished his season with 3,557 career strikeouts, an important metric for historical rankings. His 5.74 season ERA and 4-9 record provide the final statistical baseline for fantasy rosters and draft evaluations.

The takeaway

Scherzer proved that veteran starters can still provide significant length even in the final games of a long season. His potential return at age 42 remains a primary question for his future in the sport.

Further reading

For more on the league's performance trends, visit Baseball.

Live Poll

Would you watch a 42-year-old veteran athlete compete for another season?