Smoltz Reaching For Strikeout Milestone
Posted by: Aaron Hanks in Atlanta Braves, tags: John Smoltz
John Smoltz has 2,996 career strikeouts going into tonight’s game against the Washington Nationals. Even those of us with problems in math can figure out that Smoltz is 4 strikeouts away from an amazing feat. Tonight Smoltz should become the 16th pitcher in baseball history to reach 3,000 strikeouts.
What’s more amazing to me is the fact that from 2001 to 2004 Smoltz only made 5 starts as he moved to the bullpen to act as the Braves closer. Imagine how much quicker he would have reached 3,000 if he’d stayed in the rotation that whole time.
Smoltz has 260 career strikeouts against the Nationals franchise, which is more strikeouts than he has against any other team in baseball except the New York Mets (275). He averages 1.16 strikeouts per inning against the Nat’s, so tune in by the 3rd inning at least, or you may miss something special. Actually strike that… Get down to Turner Field tonight. The game starts at 7:10. You don’t get many chances to see this kind of historic event unfold right before your eyes.
Totally random guess: Smoltz will get his 3,000 strikeout facing Wily Mo Pena in the 3rd inning tonight (Pena in his career is 0-8 with 4 strikeouts against Smoltz). What’s your guess???
photo credit: angel_shark
Aaron Hanks
Entries (RSS)
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:30 am
First inning baby! A dropped third strike will allow a baserunner and Smoltz can get his 4th K in the first inning. That’s the ticket.
Oh, and don’t be surprised to see him carry a no-no into the 7th inning.
Congrats ahead of time Smoltzie!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I’m not certain that Smoltz is 100% healthy. I think he probably will get to 3,000, but not as quick as you think. 6th inning.
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
5th inning.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
[…] Aaron was wrong when he predicted the Wily Mo Pena would be John Smoltz’s 3,000 strikeout. As you know the victim was Felipe […]