In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty made history by tying an American League record with seven consecutive strikeouts to open a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This exceptional feat was achieved on Tuesday and Flaherty went on to finish the game with a career-high 14 strikeouts in just 6 2/3 innings.
Flaherty’s exceptional performance tied him with baseball greats such as Joe Cowley, Carlos Rodon, Blake Snell, and Luis Castillo, who have also managed to achieve seven straight strikeouts to kick off a game. It is worth noting that the major league record for striking out the first nine batters of a game remains with Miami Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez, who accomplished this incredible feat in 2021.
Facing his former team, Flaherty exhibited dominance on the mound by striking out the side over the first two innings and continuing to baffle the Cardinals with a mix of four-seam fastballs and knuckle-curveballs. Despite a brief respite when Masyn Winn hit a groundout in the third inning, Flaherty quickly resumed his strikeout streak by fanning the side in the fourth inning, bringing his total to an impressive 12 strikeouts.
With this performance, the 28-year-old Flaherty not only matched the highest number of strikeouts in the majors for the season but also achieved the most strikeouts for the Tigers since Max Scherzer’s impressive 14 strikeouts in a game back in 2014. Flaherty’s stellar pitching has certainly caught the attention of baseball enthusiasts, as he continues to solidify his reputation as a top-tier pitcher.
Having previously garnered recognition for his pitching abilities with an impressive performance in his earlier years with the St. Louis Cardinals, Flaherty’s recent accomplishments have cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of baseball. His $14 million, one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers further underscores the value that he brings to his team and the sport as a whole.
Jack Flaherty’s record-setting performance serves as a testament to his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and undeniable talent on the baseball field. As he continues to make his mark in the league, fans can only look forward to witnessing more remarkable feats from this rising star in the world of baseball.