The Cardinals were actually the first team to draft Scherzer, but it was in the 43rd round and Scherzer went to Mizzou and ultimately became a first-round pick by Arizona.

“(Free agency) is a year away,” Scherzer said. “I’ve got a whole year with my team and we’ve got a chance to win the American League Central again.”

Of Scherzer’s 56 pitches Monday, 37 were strikes. Meanwhile, Cardinals righthander Shelby Miller threw 56 pitches, 42 for strikes, but lasted only 2 1/3 innings as Tigers hitters made him work by fouling off pitches.

“I watched him on TV a few times and he’s got great stuff,” said Scherzer.

“I was like that, too. You just get worn out. You’ve just got to execute pitches. You can only control what you can control. You can’t control foul balls. But I’d rather take a foul ball than a home run.”

Miller generally was pleased with his outing, although manager Mike Matheny thought the second-year pitcher had lost his focus the closer he came to finishing his stint as he allowed a two-run homer in the third to Cabrera.

Miller said, “I have to find a way to get deeper into the game. I need to get the ball down. If I can get it down, hopefully, I can get a ground ball or an out somehow.”