Cleveland Indians set MLB strikeout record

By Ed Carroll | Sep 27, 2014

Sep 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

When MLB fans think excellent pitching, they probably don’t instantly think of the Cleveland Indians, but perhaps they should. The Indians’ pitching staff set a Major League record for strikeouts in a season with 1,429. Ace Corey Kluber, in his final start of the season, recorded the milestone punch-out by strikeout out the Tampa Bay Rays’ David DeJesus in the eighth inning of Friday night’s 1-0 Cleveland win.

More from Cleveland Guardians

Kluber, who is a serious contender for the American League Cy Young award, went eight scoreless innings, fanning 11, in what is likely his last start of the year. The Indians were eliminated from playoff contention despite the victory, as the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics both won last night.

The 2013 Detroit Tigers held the previous mark, and surprisingly enough, Tampa Bay could also eclipse the previous record, as the Rays’ staff total is at 1,419 entering today’s game against the Indians.

The Indians pitchers are led by Kluber, who has 269 strikeouts, and also saw significant contributions from starters Trevor Bauer (143 Ks) and Danny Salazar (120 Ks), and now-starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco has 130. In the bullpen, swingman Josh Tomlin struck out 94 batters, while closer Cody Allen chipped in 91. Cleveland has all of these players under contract for 2015.

More from FanSided.com

Baseball played tears ACL after hitting home run, rounds bases anyways
Kansas City Royals clinch first playoff berth since 1985
Bobby Abreu announces retirement from Major League Baseball
Arizona Diamondbacks fire manager Kirk Gibson
MLB: 5 players who could steal the MVP from Mike Trout

Home/Cleveland Guardians