Tom Seaver has some company in the record books.
On Friday, Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola struck out 10 consecutive Mets batters at Citi Field, tying Seaver’s long-standing MLB record.
Seaver struck out the final 10 batters of the game during a start against the San Diego Padres on April 22, 1970. In the 51 years since, eight pitchers have struck out nine straight batters — most recently Mets ace Jacob deGrom on April 17 against the Rockies.
No pitcher, though, was able to whiff a tenth consecutive batter until Nola on Friday.
After allowing the first two batters of Friday’s game to reach, Nola found his groove. He struck out three straight Mets to wiggle out of trouble in the first inning before striking out the side in the second and third.
In the fourth, Nola fanned Michael Conforto on five pitches to tie Seaver’s record. Facing Pete Alonso with a chance to eclipse the mark, Nola allowed an opposite field double.