Max Scherzer struck out a season-high nine batters, moving into 10th place on the all-time strikeouts list. Marcus Semien hit a home run, and the Texas Rangers defeated the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Thursday.
Scherzer increased his career strikeout total to 3,400, passing his former teammate and fellow three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander with his third strikeout of the game. Eloy Jiménez was struck out looking at a 93.3 mph fastball in the second inning, making Scherzer the top active pitcher in strikeouts.
“He had good command of all his pitches, a good mix, good command in and out,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “Good slider, changeup, and used his curveball effectively. You saw a guy that was doing a terrific job of pitching out there.”
Just two days before his 40th birthday, Scherzer (2-3) threw 62 of his 85 pitches for strikes in his 464th game and 216th win over 17 seasons. He allowed one run, walked one batter, and gave up three hits over six innings.
“When you win, it’s a little bit easier to celebrate this and have fun with the guys,” Scherzer said. “I don’t go out there before a season and put milestones as a goal. I’m more focused on the process. I’m more focused on my stuff, and these things happen as a result of it.”
The reigning World Series champion Rangers (51-52) won their fifth game in a row, matching their season-best streak. They also completed their first four-game sweep at home since 2017, three years before they moved into Globe Life Field.
They have won 12 of their last 16 games, getting within one game of .500 for the first time since June 2.
Chicago (27-78) has lost 11 games in a row and 17 of their last 20. The White Sox are 51 games under .500 for the first time since 1948, when they finished 50-101, and are on pace for 120 losses, which would tie the 1962 New York Mets for the most since the 19th century.
