MLB Strikeout King
Aroldis Chapman Sets MLB All-Time Reliever Strikeout Record in Red Sox Victory
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Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman made history on Saturday, breaking the all-time MLB record for strikeouts by a relief pitcher. Chapman surpassed Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm to claim the top spot on the career leaderboard, recording his 1,364th career relief strikeout, according to NESN.
The record came in the ninth inning of a 5-2 Red Sox win over the Los Angeles Angels. Chapman broke the tie with a 98.6 mph sinker, Boston Herald reported. The victory was Boston's first game of a tri-city road trip.
Chapman Passes Wilhelm With One Historic Pitch
Chapman entered the ninth inning tied with Wilhelm, who set the old record during a career that stretched from 1952 to 1972. One pitch changed that. A 98.6 mph sinker gave Chapman sole possession of the record, according to Yahoo Sports. Wilhelm was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985.
Chapman's career has spanned multiple teams over more than a decade. He is best known for his elite fastball and high strikeout rates. Even at this stage of his career, Chapman is still throwing hard enough to make history, Head Top News noted.
Rookie Jake Bennett Shines in Boston's 5-2 Win
Chapman was not the only story. Rookie pitcher Jake Bennett had the best start of his young career. He pitched into the eighth inning for the first time, giving up just five hits, according to The Washington Post. Bennett kept the Angels' lineup in check all night.
The Red Sox offense provided enough run support to make it a comfortable win. The final score was 5-2. Boston got solid contributions from both its starting pitcher and its bullpen closer — a rare combination that should give the team confidence heading into the rest of the road trip.
A Milestone Amid a Tough Season for Boston
The Red Sox have had a difficult 2024 season overall. Chapman's record gives the fanbase a moment to celebrate. NESN noted that despite the team's struggles, Chapman has remained one of the most dominant relievers in the game. His 1,364 strikeouts are now the most ever by any pitcher working out of the bullpen.
The record is a testament to Chapman's longevity and consistency. Relief pitchers typically face fewer batters than starters. That makes accumulating 1,364 strikeouts an extraordinary feat. Chapman did it one inning at a time, over more than a decade in the big leagues, Yahoo Sports Canada reported.
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