Marlins' Pablo Lopez sets MLB record by striking out first nine batters

Miami Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez was untouchable to begin Sunday's start against the Atlanta Braves, striking out the first nine hitters he faced and setting a major league record in the process.

Lopez got Ehire Adrianza, Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies swinging in the first inning. He fanned Austin Riley, Orlando Arcia and Dansby Swanson in the second, then retired Guillermo Heredia, Kevan Smith and pitcher Ian Anderson to close out the third.

In doing so, the 25-year-old right-hander broke the mark of eight consecutive strikeouts to start a game set by Jim Deshaies in 1986 and matched by Jacob deGrom in 2014 and German Marquez in 2018.

Lopez brought a 4-5 record and a 2.94 ERA into the game, and was averaging a career-high 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings. 

He ended up completing six innings and getting the win in a 7-4 victory over the Braves. He allowed three earned runs and five hits -- but after his record run, Lopez didn't strike out another batter. 

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