Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer climbed to ninth place on the all-time strikeout list during Sunday’s game, overtaking Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry. As a three-time Cy Young Award recipient, Scherzer achieved this milestone by striking out Seattle Mariners batter Cal Raleigh for his 3,535th career strikeout in the seventh inning.

The sold-out crowd of 42,039 erupted into a standing ovation when Scherzer’s record was showcased on the scoreboard. Expressing his gratitude, Scherzer acknowledged the significance of joining the top 10 all-time strikeout leaders and appreciated the support from his teammates and fans.

In a standout performance, Scherzer recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in the game, marking the 115th instance in his career where he achieved double-digit strikeouts. He allowed only one hit over seven innings, securing his first win since the season opener. Notably, Scherzer’s exceptional outing made him the third pitcher in MLB history aged 42 or older to pitch seven or more innings, strike out 10 or more batters, and permit two or fewer baserunners.

Manager John Schneider praised Scherzer’s dominant display on the mound, describing it as reminiscent of Scherzer at his best. At 42 years old, Scherzer showcased his prowess early in the game by striking out the side in the first inning, demonstrating his command and skill.

Throughout the game, Scherzer continued his impressive performance, frustrating the Mariners batters with his varied pitches. His recent climb in the all-time strikeout rankings saw him surpass Walter Johnson to claim the 10th spot, with former teammate Justin Verlander as the only other active pitcher in the top 10.

Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, Scherzer has enjoyed a successful career, earning eight All-Star selections and winning two World Series titles. Having played for multiple teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers, Scherzer’s legacy in baseball continues to grow.