Cincinnati Reds starter Sonny Gray allowed four hits over 6 2/3 innings on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, notching his 32nd consecutive start allowing six hits or fewer dating back to Aug. 25, 2018.
The streak breaks a record (openers excluded) that Nolan Ryan originally set during a 31-start span that began on May 1, 1991 and lasted until June 1, 1992, the Hall of Famer's second-last season.
🗣️ ATTENTION PLEASE!
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 18, 2019
Sonny Gray just made his 32nd consecutive start allowing 6 hits or fewer, a new Major League record, excluding "openers." He was sharing the record with Nolan Ryan. 👏#BornToBaseball pic.twitter.com/QJXHG37as0
The only other pitcher with more such consecutive starts is the Rays' Ryne Stanek, who went 56 straight starts giving up six or fewer hits from May 26, 2018 until July 16, 2019. During that stretch, Stanek tossed 83 innings, while Gray threw 179 2/3 and Ryan pitched 178.
Here's how Gray's dominance stacks up alongside Ryan's streak:
| Player | Games | IP | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonny Gray | 32 | 179 2/3 | 2.76 |
| Nolan Ryan | 31 | 178 | 3.08 |
Cincinnati acquired Gray from the New York Yankees this past winter for prospect Shed Long and a draft pick. The right-hander has authored a remarkable 2.80 ERA and 3.39 FIP over 30 starts this season.
