George Kirby throws record 24 straight strikes to start the game

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby. Lindsey Wasson-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners SP George Kirby opens start with 24 straight strikes, setting MLB record

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/24/22

Since being called up by the Seattle Mariners in May, top pitching prospect George Kirby has impressed, going 5-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 17 starts.

Only months after starting his first major league game, the 24-year-old has already made baseball history.

George Kirby set an MLB record today when he didn’t throw a ball until his 25th pitch.

(MLB x @CueHealth) pic.twitter.com/BhGUJpYLUi
— MLB (@MLB) August 24, 2022

Kirby set a new MLB record Wednesday against the Washington Nationals, opening his start by throwing 24 consecutive strikes.

According to MLB.com's Daniel Kramer (via STATS), Joe Musgrove was the previous record holder, compiling 21 straight strikes for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018. Ervin Santana, then with the Atlanta Braves, had tossed 20 straight in 2014.

George Kirby opened today's game with 24 straight strikes before throwing his first ball ... Per @heygoldy on the broadcast, that's an MLB record to begin a game. pic.twitter.com/1NST5qXiVr
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) August 24, 2022

"I felt really good and my mechanics were nice and fluid today," Kirby told Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. "I wasn't scared to put it in the middle of the plate too. Just throw strikes, good things happen usually."

The Nationals won the game 3-1, with Kirby earning a no-decision. Kirby allowed one earned run of eight hits through seven innings of work. He threw 85 pitches, 69 of them for strikes.

Before Wednesday's outing, Kirby had won three straight starts, posting a 3.12 ERA over 17.1 innings.

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