Max Scherzer Becomes 1st Tigers Pitcher Since 1909 to Begin Season 10-0

Move over, Justin Verlander. There’s a new ace in town.

Actually, Verlander is having a pretty solid year for the Detroit Tigers, but the 2011 American League Cy Young Award winner isn’t on the same level as teammate Max Scherzer right now. Even Verlander hasn’t started a season 10-0.

As SportsCenter noted, the righty became the first Tigers pitcher since 1909 to start the season 10-0 with his win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday:

Scherzer hasn’t just relied on Detroit’s big bats to bail him out, either. In 14 starts this season, the 28-year-old has a 3.08 ERA and an incredible 0.91 WHIP, holding opposing batters to just a .189 batting average.

To complement those impressive averages, Scherzer has also struck out 116 batters in 96.1 innings and allowed just 24 walks, both near the top of the league among starting pitchers.

With the win on Monday, Scherzer not only made a little Tigers history, but he also moved into sole possession of the best record in the American League. Given Detroit’s recent hot streak, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him tack on a couple more wins before the All-Star break.

Detroit currently sits in first place in the AL Central, five games ahead of the Kansas City Royals and 5.5 in front of the Cleveland Indians. Both teams were expected to make a run at the division title this season, but the way the Tigers are playing right now, the AL Central crown already looks out of reach.