Clemens struck out 20 batters 20 years ago today
On May 11, 2016 Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer became the fourth pitcher in MLB history - and the first in 18 years - to strike out 20 hitters in a nine-inning game, joining Kerry Wood and Roger Clemens.
A 23-year-old Clemens was the first pitcher to accomplish the incredible feat on April 29, 1986 when he, during the first Cy Young and AL MVP campaign of his fine career, struck out 20 Seattle Mariners en route to a 24-4 record.
What may have been more impressive, however, was when "The Rocket" managed to strike out 20 yet again, a decade later at 33 years old, on Sept. 18, 1996 against the Detroit Tigers.
Today marks the 20-year anniversary of Clemens' amazing performance in the Motor City, in what would be his last trip to the no-longer-existing Tiger Stadium in a Boston Red Sox uniform.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
During Clemens 151-pitch effort against the Tigers, he allowed no runs on five hits, and managed to strike out every Tigers hitter who stepped to the plate, including Detroit shortstop Travis Fryman four times.
| BATTER | AB | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Bobby Higginson | 4 | 2 |
| Alan Trammell | 4 | 1 |
| Ruben Sierra | 4 | 2 |
| Tony Clark | 4 | 3 |
| Travis Fryman | 4 | 4 |
| Melvin Nieves | 3 | 2 |
| Phil Nevin | 3 | 2 |
| Brad Ausmus | 3 | 1 |
| Kimera Bartee | 2 | 2 |
| Phil Hiatt - PH | 1 | 1 |
Clemens would leave Boston as a free agent in 1996, with three Cy Young awards to his credit, before going on to win four more, including his last at a member of his hometown Houston Astros at the age of 41 in 2004.