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The Phillies score ended in disappointment for Philadelphia on Saturday night, as the Toronto Blue Jays secured a dramatic 7-5 victory in 11 innings at Citizens Bank Park. However, the game also became a historic night for Max Scherzer, who moved past Walter Johnson on Major League Baseball’s all-time strikeout list.
A Historic Phillies Score as Scherzer Passes Big Train
Scherzer recorded the 3,516th strikeout of his decorated career when he caught Kyle Schwarber looking at a called third strike in the sixth inning. The milestone gave the 42-year-old sole possession of 10th place on MLB’s career strikeout leaderboard.
Walter Johnson, known throughout baseball history as the “Big Train,” finished his legendary career with 3,515 strikeouts. Johnson pitched for the Washington Senators from 1907 through 1927 and was part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1936.
“You start mentioning the top 10 all-time strikeouts, man, there are some really big-time names there,” Scherzer said after the game. “To now be a part of that group, it’s special.”
Powerful Milestone in Philadelphia
The achievement was especially fitting because Philadelphia has been one of Scherzer’s most productive destinations. He now has 255 career strikeouts against the Phillies, more than against any other opponent. His 116 strikeouts at Citizens Bank Park are also the most by a visiting pitcher since the stadium opened in 2004.
Scherzer entered the start needing four strikeouts to surpass Johnson. He struck out former Nationals teammate Bryce Harper in the first inning before fanning Garrett Stubbs to begin the third. He then tied Johnson in the fifth inning by getting Bryan De La Cruz on a check-swing strike three.
With his wife, Erica, and their children watching from the stands, Scherzer completed the climb in the sixth. Schwarber, Trea Turner and Harper were scheduled to face him during the inning, creating an emotional reunion with three former teammates.
“Those are great hitters,” Scherzer said. “Anything, any way to get those guys out, that was more important.”
Blue Jays Rally Changes the Phillies Score
Although Scherzer kept Philadelphia off the board early, the game quickly turned after his record-setting strikeout. Turner and Harper hit back-to-back solo home runs, tying the contest at 2-2 and ending Scherzer’s night shortly afterward.
The veteran right-hander finished with four strikeouts, allowing two runs on five hits without issuing a walk across 5 1/3 innings. It was only his third start since returning from the injured list, making the performance even more encouraging for Toronto.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Scherzer’s intensity and velocity, noting that the pitcher reached 96 mph while remaining focused throughout the outing.
“For a 42-year-old dude, he’s throwing 96 and he’s just as locked in and just as competitive as he ever has been,” Schneider said. “It’s really impressive.”
Toronto ultimately pulled away in extra innings to claim the 7-5 win. The result kept the Blue Jays ahead on the scoreboard, while the Phillies were left to absorb a painful home defeat despite contributions from their biggest stars.
Nola Reaches His Own Career Landmark
Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola also reached a major personal milestone during the contest, recording his 2,000th career strikeout. Nola acknowledged the significance of Scherzer’s achievement and described the veteran as one of baseball’s ultimate competitors.
“He’s pitched a long time, and he’s still so good,” Nola said. “He’s a stud.”
The two milestones gave the game unusual historical importance despite the final Phillies score. Scherzer’s performance added another chapter to a career that already includes multiple Cy Young Awards, a World Series championship and a long list of postseason accomplishments.
What Comes Next for Max Scherzer?
Scherzer’s next target is Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry, who ranks ninth all time with 3,534 strikeouts. Justin Verlander is eighth with 3,554, while Don Sutton sits seventh at 3,574.
- Max Scherzer: 3,516 career strikeouts
- Walter Johnson: 3,515 career strikeouts
- Gaylord Perry: 3,534 career strikeouts
- Justin Verlander: 3,554 career strikeouts
Scherzer’s place in Cooperstown appears secure once his magnificent career concludes, but his competitive drive remains unchanged. He said his primary focus was helping Toronto win, not chasing a statistic.
“No one feels sorry for you, so you’ve got to get back out here and start competing,” Scherzer said.
For Philadelphia fans, the night ended with a loss. For baseball fans, it delivered a rare opportunity to watch one of the modern era’s greatest pitchers move beyond one of the sport’s immortals.
FAQs About the Phillies Score and Scherzer’s Milestone
What was the Phillies score against the Blue Jays?
The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 7-5, in 11 innings at Citizens Bank Park.
How many strikeouts does Max Scherzer have?
Scherzer has 3,516 career strikeouts, moving him into 10th place on MLB’s all-time list.
Whose record did Scherzer pass?
Scherzer passed Walter Johnson, the legendary “Big Train,” who finished his career with 3,515 strikeouts.
Who did Scherzer strike out for the milestone?
He passed Johnson by striking out Kyle Schwarber looking in the sixth inning.
