“Pretty surreal moment”: Justin Verlander reveals true emotions after surpassing John Smoltz in all-time strikeout list
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Justin Verlander
On Tuesday night, it was put forward to Justin Verlander’s attention that he had made his way around Hall of Fame pitcher, John Smoltz, to move into 17th place on the all-time strikeout list. Justin Verlander was obliged by his achievement, he respectfully reacted and appreciated himself.
There is no doubt in knowing that many young pitchers do look up to Justin Verlander and his career. Making his way up in the all-time strikeout list is indeed a special occasion for the 39-year-old Astros star. He struck out season-high 12 batters in absorbing 7 innings in a 4-1 win over the Mariners. Interestingly, Verlander initially surpassed his former Tigers teammate, Max Scherzer and then zoomed past childhood hero John Smoltz as well.
“I don’t know if Scherzer counts in that because he’s still playing and I’m still playing, and we’re kind of ping-ponging each other, but Smoltzy is somebody who I idolized growing up,” Verlander added. “Pretty surreal moment to hear that name.”
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Justin Verlander registers tally of 3,086 strikeouts in his illustrious career
Moreover, the tally of these 12 strikeouts was the most for Justin Verlander since September 29, 2019. He has thrown season-high 108 pitches, wherein he got 9 of his 18 swings and misses on his slider.
“It’s nice when it’s brought to your attention while it’s happening,” Verlander said. “It’s not like you’re counting them down or anything. You’re keeping your head down and keep doing the work and trying to be the best pitcher you can for as long as you can.”
Even bench coach Joe Espada, who was, in turn, managing the team for the suspended Dusty Baker went on to emphasize the importance and contribution of their star pitcher. He said, “This guy, how he prepares every single day, I get to watch him and get to enjoy how serious he is about his work. He knows how big this game was for us. Even though it’s June, he knows the importance of us going out there and winning this game.”
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Verlander concluded by stating how he never plans to execute a strikeout, just details upon certain adjustments. As a result of which, he has been lucky enough to register such a hefty tally of strikeouts since being drafted into the MLB in 2004
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Yagya Bhargava
(611 Articles Published)