WASHINGTON, D.C. — Zack Greinke extended his streak of consecutive scoreless innings pitched to 43 ⅔ on Sunday against the Nationals. Greinke threw a season-high 119 pitches over eight shutout innings and didn’t allow a runner past first base. He struck out 11, also a season high, allowed three singles and walked one batter.
Orel Hershiser holds the all-time record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings, set with the Dodgers in 1988. He broke the record of 58 set in 1968 by former Dodgers pitcher Don Drysdale. Clayton Kershaw was next up in the franchise record book, with 41 consecutive scoreless innings pitched last summer, until Greinke overtook him today.
Since the major leagues expanded 1961, only three pitchers — Hershiser, Drysdale and Bob Gibson in 1968 — have thrown more consecutive scoreless innings than Greinke.
Prior to Sunday, Brandon Webb‘s 42-inning streak in 2007 was the longest since Hershiser’s.
The Dodgers are leading the Nationals 1-0 in the ninth inning.