Cy Fynalists

The last two nights, Jacob de Grom (above) and Max Scherzer (below) showed why they're the leading contenders for the NL Cy Young Award. Wednesday, in what was likely his final start of the season, the Mets ace threw eight innings of two-hit shutout ball. That lowered his ERA to 1.70. His 10 strikeouts helped him reach 1000 for his career. And thanks to just enough hitting support from Domonic Smith and Michael Conforto, De Grom earned the victory to finish 2018 with a winning record at 10-9.
Scherzer made his statement Tuesday night, when he won his 18th and became the fifth pitcher this century to reach 300 strikeouts in a season. Though he's giving up a half-run a game more than de Grom, the three-time Cy Young winner has been just as dominant, while pitching with more consistent support.
Two division rivals contending for the league's most coveted pitching award -- and doing it on otherwise-disappointing teams.
(My image of de Grom is from the May 18th Mets/Diamondbacks game; I caught Scherzer against the Brewers on his birthday (and mine) July 27th, 2017 at Nationals Park.)

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