Max Scherzer, the Toronto Blue Jays right-hander, made a significant move on Sunday by climbing to ninth place on the all-time career strikeout list, surpassing the legendary Gaylord Perry. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, achieved this milestone by striking out Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning, marking his 3,535th career strikeout.
The sold-out crowd of 42,039 erupted in applause as the scoreboard flashed the record, showing their appreciation for Scherzer’s accomplishment. Expressing his gratitude, Scherzer acknowledged the importance of advancing in the top 10 all-time strikeout list and the support he received from his teammates and fans.
In a standout performance, Scherzer recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in the game, marking the 115th time in his career that he achieved double-digit strikeouts. He pitched seven innings, allowing only one hit and securing his first win since the season opener in March.
Notably, Scherzer’s exceptional outing marked just the third instance in MLB history where a pitcher aged 42 or older pitched seven or more innings, struck out 10 or more batters, and allowed two or fewer baserunners. Manager John Schneider praised Scherzer’s performance, likening it to a vintage display of skill.
In a dominating display, Scherzer struck out the side in the first inning, showcasing his precision and control. Mariners’ manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the challenge of facing Scherzer’s diverse pitch selection, which kept the Mariners’ hitters off balance throughout the game.
Earlier in the month, Scherzer surpassed Walter Johnson to claim the tenth spot on the all-time strikeout list by striking out Kyle Schwarber. With this recent milestone, Scherzer now sets his sights on surpassing his former teammate Justin Verlander, who currently holds the eighth spot with 3,554 career strikeouts.
Originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, Scherzer has had a successful career, being an eight-time All-Star and winning two World Series championships. Having played for various teams, including Detroit, Washington, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, and Texas, Scherzer’s journey in baseball has been marked by excellence and achievement.