(KMOX) - When Jack Flaherty struck out catcher Yan Gomez in the third inning he became the fastest pitcher in St. Louis Cardinals history to reach 500 career strikeouts. He's also the first to do it before making at least 100 appearances.
Flaherty, 25, is in his fifth season with St. Louis and made his 80th career appearance when started against the Washington Nationals on Monday. He also struck out the first batter of the game for his 499th career K.
Flaherty went on to win the game and move to 3-0 on the season. He struck out a total of five and allowed just two earned runs in the 12-5 victory.
Lance Lynn held the previous franchise record for fastest pitcher to 500 Ks, doing it in 101 appearances.
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And because I'm sure you're wondering, how long did it take the greatest pitcher in Cardinals history to reach 500 Ks?
It took the legendary Bob Gibson 110 appearances to record his 500th strikeout. He did it in 1963, his 5th season in the majors.
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