NEW YORK (AP) — Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom has tied a major league record by striking out his first eight batters.
The rookie whiffed eight consecutive Miami Marlins to begin Monday night’s game at Citi Field, matching the mark set by Jim Deshaies of the Houston Astros against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 23, 1986.
Deshaies and deGrom are the only pitchers to accomplish the feat since 1900.
A top contender for NL Rookie of the Year, deGrom tied the record by freezing Jeff Mathis with a 95 mph fastball for a called third strike. The shaggy-haired righty then gave up a sharp single to opposing pitcher Jarred Cosart on a 1-0 pitch.
As deGrom quickly piled up Ks, the small crowd began clapping whenever he got two strikes on a hitter. He received a warm ovation following Cosart’s base hit.
The previous Mets record for strikeouts to start a game was six by Pete Falcone against Philadelphia on May 1, 1980.
STATS says Mickey Welch of the New York Gothams struck out the first nine Cleveland Blues batters on Aug. 28, 1884 — when the mound was only 50 feet from home plate.
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