Ray helps D-backs set MLB record for consecutive games of 10 or more strikeouts

Robbie Ray fanned five Washington batters to start the game, setting the Diamondbacks up to notch the MLB record for consecutive games of 10 or more strikeouts by a pitching staff.

But the performance ended with a cruel fate for Ray and Arizona.

The starter’s night came to an end after the sixth inning as the Nationals led 2-1, and that would be the final score.

Ray allowed four hits, two earned runs and walked one to go with his 10 strikeouts.

It only took until the second out in the sixth inning Wednesday for Arizona to record the ninth such game. All of the strikeouts to that point were courtesy of Ray.

The D-backs matched the previous record Tuesday that was also held by the 2014 Cleveland Indians from Sept. 16-23, 2014, and the 2012 Milwaukee Brewers, whose eight-game stretch occurred from Aug. 20-28, 2012.

Ray’s five strikeouts to start the game came one strikeout away from the team record of six to begin an outing. Randy Johnson (four times) and Curt Schilling (once) are the only former D-backs to begin a game with four or more strikeouts in a row.

Ray struck out the first three batters with his fastball, then began going to his slider to continue earning Ks the second time around the order.

It was the left-hander’s sixth career 10-plus strikeout performance and second this season.

Chris Owings’ first-inning solo home run would be the Diamondbacks’ only source of offense as they went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Here’s a look at the D-backs’ record strikeout streak, by the numbers…

114

That’s how many batters have headed back to the dugout after earning a ‘K’ in the scorebook against Arizona in the last eight games.

92

Almost 81 percent of those batters struck out swinging, while 22 of them have looked at strike three.

Strikeouts by Pitcher

42

D-backs hurlers have fanned 39 different players during the streak. The most common victim has been San Diego’s Wil Myers, who struck out 10 times during the recent four-game series between the two teams.

Others whom D-backs pitchers have victimized:

• Hunter Renfroe, San Diego – 6
• Cory Spangenberg, San Diego – 6
• Trevor Story, Colorado – 6
• Manuel Margot, San Diego – 5
• Gerardo Parra, Colorado – 5
• Jayson Werth, Washington – 5
• Erick Aybar, San Diego – 4
• Charlie Blackmon, Colorado – 4
• Jabari Blash, San Diego – 4
• Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado – 4
• Mark Reynolds, Colorado – 4
• Ryan Schimpf, San Diego – 4
• Yangervis Solarte, San Diego – 4
• Dustin Garneau, Colorado – 3

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