Inches from history: 3 plays that broke up 3 perfect games for Scherzer

Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer emptied the tank in his final start of the year Saturday, throwing his second no-hitter in 105 days.

While the 31-year-old became the first pitcher since Nolan Ryan in 1973 to throw a pair of no-hitters in the same season, the question of what might have been remains.

On three separate occasions this season, Scherzer carried a perfect game into at least the sixth inning, only to lose it each time in a different set of unfortunate circumstances.

June 14 - Milwaukee Brewers - Single

"A swinging bat's a dangerous bat."

Scherzer lost his first bid at perfection in June after then-Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez hit a seventh-inning bloop single to shallow left field past the outstretched glove of Anthony Rendon. Scherzer had retired the first 18 batters - 11 by way of the strikeout. He would rebound by throwing a complete-game shutout, walking one and striking out 16.

June 20 - Pittsburgh Pirates - Hit by pitch

"Well, that's just the worst way ever to lose a perfect game."

Scherzer was inches away from perfection when he grazed the elbow pad of Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata with two outs in the ninth inning. The Nationals ace induced a flyout to left field from Josh Harrison during the following at-bat to record his first no-hitter of the season. Scherzer became the 13th pitcher to lose his perfect game with two outs in the ninth.

Oct. 3 - New York Mets - Error

"And there goes any potential for a perfect game."

New York Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki's ground ball to Nationals third baseman Yunel Escobar looked innocent enough, but a low throw that was poorly handled by first baseman Clint Robinson allowed Plawecki to reach on the error. Unfazed by the sixth-inning blunder, Scherzer would end the game with a club-record 17 strikeouts and his second career no-hitter.

(Videos courtesy: MLB.com)