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Fernandez becomes 2nd fastest ever to 200 Ks

Hunter Martin / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Jose Fernandez has pitched his way into the record books alongside one of the greatest to ever grace the mound.

The Miami Marlins right-hander became the second-fastest pitcher in major-league history to reach 200 strikeouts in a single season on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds, hitting the plateau in 139 2/3 innings.

Hall of Famer Randy Johnson holds the record at 130 2/3 innings set back in 2001 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 24-year-old Fernandez owns a career-high 12.9 strikeout-per-nine-innings ratio this season, and has struck out at least eight batters in 15 of his 22 starts entering Thursday's outing.

It's the first time Fernandez has stuck out at least 200 batters in a season. He finished with 187 strikeouts in 2013 in 172 2/3 innings.

Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals is the only other pitcher this season to have at least 200 strikeouts.

Despite reaching the milestone, it was a rather tough night for Fernandez in Cincinnati. He allowed five runs off seven hits and a walk in just four innings of work, but did finish with six strikeouts.

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