Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer climbed to ninth place on the all-time strikeout list during Sunday’s game, surpassing the legendary Gaylord Perry. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, achieved this milestone by striking out Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh for his 3,535th career strikeout in the seventh inning.
The packed stadium of 42,039 fans erupted in a standing ovation as Scherzer’s achievement was recognized on the scoreboard. Expressing his gratitude, Scherzer acknowledged the significance of moving up in the top 10 all-time strikeout list and appreciated the support from his teammates and fans.
With his remarkable performance, Scherzer recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in the game, marking the 115th time in his career that he has reached a double-digit strikeout total. He dominated on the mound, allowing just one hit over a season-best seven innings to secure his first win since the start of the season.
Making history, Scherzer, at the age of 42, became only the third pitcher in MLB history aged 42 or older to pitch seven or more innings, strike out 10 or more batters, and allow two or fewer baserunners in a single game. Notably, Nolan Ryan achieved this feat twice, with his last notable performance in 1991.
Scherzer’s exceptional pitching display was evident from the first inning as he struck out the side, showcasing his vintage form. His strategic pitching and precise location impressed both fans and his manager, John Schneider, who commended Scherzer’s masterful performance.
Continuing his stellar season, Scherzer’s recent achievements include surpassing Walter Johnson to claim the 10th spot on the all-time strikeout list. Currently, his former teammate Justin Verlander stands eighth on the list with 3,554 career strikeouts.
Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, Scherzer has established himself as an eight-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion. Throughout his career, he has played for various teams, including Detroit, Washington, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, and Texas.