ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
D-backs’ Robbie Ray reaches 1,000-strikeout milestone
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray throws against the San Diego Padres in the first inning during a baseball game, Sunday, Aug 16, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
PHOENIX – In his fifth start of the 2020 season Sunday, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray hit an impressive milestone.
The left-hander reached 1,000 career strikeouts in the game.
Coming into Sunday’s game, Ray only needed three strikeouts to reach the mark.
The milestone strikeout came in the second inning.
On an 85 mph slider, Ray got Padres left fielder Jorge Mateo to strike out swinging.
Ray is one of the fastest left handers since 1913 to reach the milestone, in both games and innings pitched.
D-backs legend Randy Johnson holds the fastest record when going by games at 152 games.
Former Houston Astros player Bill Wagner holds the record for reaching the milestone in the fewest innings at 757.2.
Ray finished the day after throwing 5 innings. He ended up with four strikeouts, throwing 89 pitches, with 43 of them strikes. Ray did not allow a hit or a run, but he did tie a career high for walks with 6.
The D-backs went on to beat the Padres 5-4. They’re back in action Monday at home against the Oakland A’s. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. and can be heard on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
