Britton gives up 1st earned run since April

Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton gave up his first earned run in a major-league record 43 appearances Wednesday against the Washington Nationals.

The streak is the longest since earned runs became an official stat, according to ESPN.

"I knew eventually something is going to happen. Because you get some good luck along the way. I don't think anybody that's ever had a streak like that would ever say they did it and there was no luck involved," Britton told reporters. "There are outings where maybe you should have given up one and you didn't. I didn't really focus on it too much."

After the Nationals were down 10-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Daniel Murphy hit a grand slam off Parker Bridwell, paving the way for Britton.

Before recording an out, he gave up a single to Bryce Harper, then a double off the bat of Anthony Rendon that scored Harper. After a fielder's choice, he eventually forced the game-ending double play, picking up his 39th save in the process.

Over the course of his streak, Britton gave up 19 hits and 14 walks while recording 48 strikeouts. He also held opponents to a dismal .135/.213/.170 slash line.