Chicago Cubs: Cubbies Crib staff casts their end-of-year award votes
By Jake Misener
![ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 19: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on September 19, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 19: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at SunTrust Park on September 19, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcubbiescrib-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F10-2F849788644-washington-nationals-v-atlanta-braves-jpg-850x560-695ec4e9bd18a3094d0841f4d66c1ea2.jpg)
Chicago Cubs: CC staff goes with Mad Max in NL Cy Young race
Opposite Kluber in what, in many folks’ minds was a projected World Series matchup, Max Scherzer got the nod from the boys in the NL race.
The Washington Nationals right-hander, who was on the mound in the decisive inning of Game 5 of this year’s NLCS, had another masterful regular season. For the ninth consecutive campaign, Scherzer made at least 30 starts. It’s not just that he ate innings, either. He was lights-out almost every time he took the ball.
He put up a 0.902 WHIP – the best mark of his career, leading the league with 268 strikeouts – despite missing time with a hamstring injury in September. The two-time Cy Young winner allowed just 5.7 hits per nine – also a personal best.
Away from Nationals Park, Scherzer put up a minuscule 1.82 ERA in 16 starts. That, in our minds, encapsulates what it means to be a Cy Young-caliber pitcher. Giving your team the chance to win every single time you take the ball – especially on the road – speaks a lot about your body of work.