Justin Verlander Joins Elite 3,500-Strikeout Club as 10th Pitcher

On Sunday afternoon, veteran ace Justin Verlander hit a huge milestone in Major League Baseball. He became just the 10th pitcher ever to reach 3,500 career strikeouts.

The historic moment happened in the first inning against the Washington Nationals. Verlander, pitching for the San Francisco Giants, struck out the side right away.

The crowd at Oracle Park cheered, but the celebration didn’t last. Washington’s bats overwhelmed the 42-year-old and the Giants in an 8-0 rout.

3,500 Strikeouts – A Historic Club

Getting to 3,500 strikeouts puts Verlander in rare company. Only nine pitchers before him have reached that mark—guys like Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Roger Clemens.

For Verlander, it’s a nod to over twenty years of grit and skill on the mound. That’s a long time to stay sharp in a game that chews people up.

How It Happened

Verlander wasted no time making history. In the very first inning, he fanned three straight batters, showing flashes of the same mechanics and command that have always set him apart.

Fans stood and applauded, soaking in the rare achievement. It’s not every day you see a pitcher hit a number like that.

From Milestone to Meltdown

But the mood shifted fast. The Nationals’ offense just wouldn’t let up, piling up 17 hits against the Giants.

Josh Bell and Paul DeJong each collected three hits. James Wood delivered two big two-run doubles that really broke things open.

Key Moments in the Game

The second inning changed everything. With two outs, Wood’s first double brought home two runs.

Then CJ Abrams followed up with a two-run homer. Suddenly, the Nationals had a big early lead, and the Giants never really got back in it.

Verlander’s line for the day pretty much said it all:

• 11 hits allowed
• 5 earned runs
• 6 strikeouts
• 1 walk

A Season of Frustrations

This loss dropped Verlander’s record to 1-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 20 starts. That’s a far cry from what fans saw during his 2022 Cy Young-winning season.

For a guy who’s used to dominating, 2024 has been rough. He’s grinding through it, but the results just aren’t there.

Verlander’s Perspective

Still, Verlander says his stuff hasn’t vanished. After the game, he pointed out that his velocity, movement, and command all feel the same.

He thinks the struggles might come down to pitch execution in big spots, not any real physical drop-off. That’s classic Verlander—always believing he can figure it out.

Nationals Pitching Dominates

While everyone focused on Verlander’s milestone, MacKenzie Gore and the Nationals pitching staff quietly put together one of their best games all year.

Gore struck out 10 over six scoreless innings and picked up his first win since July 9. He mixed in fastballs and sharp off-speed stuff, keeping the Giants guessing all afternoon.

Lockdown Relief

Washington’s bullpen finished the job. Cole Henry, PJ Poulin, and Clayton Beeter covered the last three innings, giving up just three hits.

They didn’t let the Giants get anything going, and the Nationals stayed in control until the final out.

Looking Ahead

Verlander keeps chasing new milestones, even as 2024 throws some tough tests his way. Sure, those 3,500 strikeouts prove his greatness, but now he faces the real work—finding whatever tweaks it takes to get back on top.

The Giants, on the other hand, desperately need to shake off their offensive slump. If they want any shot at staying in the mix, something’s got to change soon.

As the season drags on, you can bet fans will watch Verlander closely. Can he celebrate his legacy and still rewrite the story this year, pitch by pitch?

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