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MIAMI – Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez on Sunday became the second pitcher in major league history – and the first in the modern era – to take out the first nine batters in a game.
He set the modern era record (since 1900) in the Miami game against the Atlanta Braves and became the second pitcher in MLB history to take out the first nine hitters in a game, joining Mickey Welch, who achieved the feat in 1884.
Lopez struck out Ehire Adrianza, Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies on catches each in the first inning. And then he took out Austin Riley, Orlando Arcia and Dansby Swanson on catches each in the second inning. Guillermo Heredia took out sticks watching, Kevan Smith took out sticks and Ian Anderson took out sticks looking to finish third.
The second time in the batting order wasn’t so kind to Lopez, 25.
After putting Adrianza on first pitch to start the fourth inning, Lopez allowed three hits over the next four batters. Freddie Freeman shattered Lopez’s sensational start with a brace in the gap in right center field, and Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia added RBI singles.
Lopez is the 11th pitcher in MLB history to strike out nine straight batters in a single game and the third to do so this season. Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets and Aaron Nola of the Philadelphia Phillies, who also pitch in the National League East, each struck out nine straight batters earlier this season. Nola’s streak hit 10 straight batters in a game against the Mets, tying Tom Seaver’s major-league record for straight strikeouts in a game.
Lopez pitched six innings, allowing five hits and three runs, walked three and struck out all nine batters for the win, dropping to 5-5 for the season as the Marlins held on to beat the Braves. 7-4.
ESPN Stats & Information and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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