Justin Verlander hit two career milestones on Saturday (Sept. 28) during the Astros’ 6-3 victory over the Angels, achieving both his 3000th career strikeout and his 300th strikeout of the 2019 season. He becomes just the 18th major league pitcher with 3000 or more career strikeouts, and the 19th in the modern era to strike out 300 in a single season.
“Three thousand was something I wanted to accomplish this season,” Verlander said after the game. “I honestly wrote off 300. I thought it was going to be a lot to ask for since these guys don’t strike out much. I got 3,000, and then to look up after five innings and have 11 strikeouts. Talking to AJ [Hinch, Houston’s manager], I knew we were only going to go six innings. I had more emotion for 300 than 3,000 because I didn’t expect to get there in this game. Very thankful to get both accomplishments. It hasn’t set in yet.”
In those six innings, Verlander, 36, fanned 12 and gave up three runs, four hits and no walks. He reached 3000 Ks in the fourth inning by striking out Kole Calhoun. With the victory over the Angels, the Astros secured the best record in baseball this season and clinched home-field advantage through the World Series.
“It was a big night for Justin and a great night for our team,” Hinch told reporters.
Verlander is the second pitcher this season to reach 3000 career strikeouts. The Yankees’ CC Sabathia reached the milestone on April 30.
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