San Diego Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada became the first pitcher in the expansion era to strike out at least 12 consecutive batters in a season, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
Estrada accomplished the feat when he fanned Miami Marlins third baseman Jake Burger in the top of the ninth inning during Tuesday’s 4-0 win.
The 25-year-old added one more for good measure, punching out Nick Gordon for No. 13. The strikeout ended the game, so the streak remains active.
“It’s kind of hard to believe,” Estrada said, according to MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell. “Still sinking in. I just feel like I did my job.”
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander José Alvarado is the only other pitcher to reach 11 consecutive strikeouts, accomplishing the feat in April 2023.
Estrada is putting together a breakout first season with the Padres after being claimed off waivers from the Chicago Cubs in the offseason. He owns a 2-0 record with a 0.55 ERA, a 0.55 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts across 16 1/3 innings.
