Max Scherzer Falls to 13-1 with Loss to Texas Rangers

Max Scherzer's impressive reign of terror over opposing lineups finally came to an end Saturday as the Texas Rangers handed him his first loss of the season.

The Detroit Tigers ace lasted six innings, allowing eight hits, four earned runs and two walks while striking out six in the 7-1 loss to the Rangers. 

As ESPN Stats & Info points out, Scherzer had an opportunity to become the first pitcher in MLB history to achieve a 14-0 record before the All-Star break:

Scherzer opened up the season with a nearly unprecedented run of victories, tallying an incredible 13-0 record to start the year. According to CBS Sports, he is just the fourth pitcher to start 13-0 or better since 1920. Roger Clemens was the last to accomplish the feat when he started 14-0 in 1986. 

Scherzer got off to a good start against the Rangers, making it through the first three innings without allowing a run. However, Texas would finally get to him in the fourth frame. 

A.J. Pierzynski got things started when he drove Nelson Cruz home with a sacrifice fly. Mitch Moreland's two-run homer in the same inning would drive the lead up to 3-0 for the Rangers. 

The Tigers would provide their star pitcher with a run in the bottom of the fourth inning as Hernan Perez drove in Jhonny Peralta off a single to center field. However, Pierzynski would strike again in the fifth inning, hitting a double to bring Leonys Martin home to extend the lead to 4-1. 

Mad Max would ultimately leave the game after pitching six innings with a pitch count of 122.

Scherzer needed the Tigers lineup to rally in the final four innings to keep his streak alive. Derek Holland, Joakim Soria and Neal Cotts teamed up on the mound to make sure that wouldn't happen. 

The Rangers would ultimately drive the lead up to 7-1 with an Adrian Beltre homer in the ninth.

Disappointing as the loss may be, Scherzer still has plenty left to accomplish this season. He's currently tied for the major league lead at 13 wins with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Matt Moore, who stands at 13-3 on the season.