Mason Miller closed out the San Diego Padres’ 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in the two-game Mexico City Series at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú.
Allowing no runs against the top of the D-Backs’ lineup, Miller has now pitched 34 2/3 scoreless innings going back to last August. That set a Padres team record, surpassing Cla Meredith, who didn’t allow a run in 33 2/3 frames during the 2006 season.
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“It’s a big load off, for sure,” Miller said, referring to setting the Padres’ record. “I think we can stop talking about it now and just keep pitching and see how long we can go.”
However, the questions likely won’t stop because Miller is now chasing another record. He is now seven innings away from achieving the longest scoreless streak by a reliever in MLB history. Gregg Olsen threw 41 innings without allowing a run from 1989-90 with the Baltimore Orioles. Six other relievers now stand between Miller and Olsen’s record.
Olson, Orioles: 41 innings
Brad Ziegler, Athletics: 39 innings (2008)
Ryan Pressly, Astros: 39 (2018-19)
Josh Hader, Brewers: 38 (2021-22)
Bob Moose, Pirates: 38 (1975-76)
Craig Kimbrel, Braves 37 2/3 (2011)
J.C. Romero, Twins: 36 (2004)
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Miller’s streak is the longest by any reliever or starter since Zac Gallen threw 44 1/3 scoreless innings for the D-Backs in 2022.
The all-time MLB record is 59 scoreless innings, set by Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitcher Orel Hershiser during the team’s 1988 World Series championship season.
Miller has converted 10 saves in 10 opportunities this season with 27 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings. He has allowed only five baserunners on three hits and two walks.
Since being acquired from the Athletics in 2023, Miller has an 0.49 ERA in 35 appearances with a strikeout rate of 17.7 per nine innings.
The right-hander has been so dominant that observers are already pondering whether or not he can win the National League Cy Young Award this season. The last reliever to do it was Dodgers closer Eric Gagne, who converted 55 saves in 55 chances during the 2003 season.
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It’s far too early in the season to make such projections. But after 26 games, Miller doesn’t appear to have much competition for the award. Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow (3-0, 2.45 ERA) may be the other top contender.
With the win, the Padres (18-8) hopped over the Dodgers (18-9) for first place in the NL East by a half-game.
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