Alex Reyes sets MLB record with 24th straight successful save to start career

St. Louis Cardinals closer Alex Reyes set a Major League Baseball record by successfully converting his 24th straight save opportunity to open his career.

The 26-year-old right-hander worked around a pair of ninth-inning walks to shut the door against the San Francisco Giants for the second straight day.

He passed previous record holder LaTroy Hawkins, who converted his first 23 opportunities as a member of the Minnesota Twins between 2000-01.

A first-time All-Star this season, the former top prospect has excelled out of the bullpen for the Cardinals by posting a 1.45 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 43 1/3 innings.

The only red flag has been his propensity to issue free passes. Reyes has walked 35 batters (7.27 BB/9) but has avoided serious trouble as he's holding opponents to a .155 batting average.