Mariners rookie George Kirby sets major league record with 24 straight strikes

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Seattle Mariners rookie George Kirby had a historic start against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old set a major league record by throwing 24 straight strikes to start the game. He topped the mark previously set by Joe Musgrove for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018. Musgrove hit the mark against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kirby said he was surprised when he looked up and saw what he was doing.

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Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby reacts while walking off the field during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

"I looked up at 15 or 16, and I was like ‘Oh, man,’" he said.

Even as the Mariners lost the game 3-1, Kirby was on a roll. According to MLB.com, Kirby only had one of his 24 strikes thrown out of the zone. He pitched to a three-ball count just once and issued zero walks.

"It just sets you up for the whole at-bat," Kirby told reporters. "I mean, if you get strike one, the hitter has got to protect five pitches now. Just attack. That’s what I’ve been doing my whole life. I really try and just hammer the corners, just really quality strikes, that’s kind of what I’ve been focused on. Sometimes, you throw one down the middle."

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Seattle Mariners starter George Kirby delivers a pitch during the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Kirby said he’s been trying to follow the mantra of "dominate the zone."