Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer achieved a milestone on Sunday, moving into the ninth spot on the all-time career strikeout list, surpassing the legendary Gaylord Perry. Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, reached this milestone by striking out Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners for his 3,535th career strikeout in the seventh inning. The crowd of 42,039 fans at the stadium gave Scherzer a standing ovation as his achievement was displayed on the scoreboard.
Expressing his gratitude, Scherzer acknowledged the significance of climbing the top 10 all-time strikeout list and was thankful for the support from his teammates and fans. The pitcher’s performance included a season-high 10 strikeouts in the game, marking the 115th time in his career that he has achieved 10 or more strikeouts in a single game. Scherzer also delivered an impressive pitching performance, allowing only one hit over seven innings to secure his first win since the season opener on March 31.
At 42 years old, Scherzer’s outstanding performance also made history as only the third pitcher aged 42 or older to pitch seven or more innings, strike out 10 or more batters, and allow two or fewer baserunners in a game. His dominance on the mound was evident from the beginning, striking out the side in the first inning and receiving praise from his manager for his exceptional pitching skills.
Scherzer’s career achievements continue to grow, with his recent climb up the all-time strikeout list placing him in the company of baseball greats. Notably, he surpassed Walter Johnson to secure the tenth spot and now stands ninth, with only former teammate Justin Verlander ahead of him among active pitchers in the top 10. Scherzer, known for his pitching prowess and multiple accolades, has represented various teams throughout his career, showcasing his talent and contributing to his team’s success.