Immaculate innings: 3 strikeouts on 9 pitches

September 19th, 2024
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      Three up, three down, with all three batters struck out on three pitches each.

      While the "immaculate inning" isn't nearly as rare as it once was -- there were none from 1929-52 and seven alone in 2022 -- any pitcher who can plow through a big league lineup on nine straight strikes deserves a special place in the record book.

      "I've been pitching seven or eight years, and I just [didn't] know what [an immaculate inning] is," closer Kenley Jansen said after tossing one for the Dodgers in 2017. "But now I know, and it's awesome."

      Here are the pitchers who have accomplished this impressive feat.

      • Ryan Pepiot, Rays, Sept. 18, 2024

      Fifth inning vs. Red Sox: Connor Wong, Wilyer Abreu, Triston Casas

      • Michael Kopech, White Sox, July 10, 2024

      Ninth inning vs. Twins: Brooks Lee, Matt Wallner, Max Kepler

      • Johan Oviedo, Pirates, May 24, 2023

      Fourth inning vs. Rangers: Jonah Heim, Robbie Grossman and Josh H. Smith

      • Colin Holderman, Pirates, May 4, 2023

      Seventh inning vs. Rays: Taylor Walls, Luke Raley and Christian Bethancourt Watch >

      Enyel De Los Santos, Guardians, Sept. 27, 2022

      Seventh inning vs. Rays: Christian Bethancourt, Jose Siri and Taylor Walls Watch >

      Hayden Wesneski, Cubs, Sept. 22, 2022

      Fifth inning vs. Pirates: Jack Suwinski, Zack Collins and Jason Delay Watch >

      Ryan Helsley, Cardinals, Sept. 16, 2022

      Ninth inning vs. Reds: Kyle Farmer, Jake Fraley and Donovan Solano Watch >

      Reid Detmers, Angels, July 31, 2022

      Second inning vs. Rangers: Ezequiel Duran, Kole Calhoun, Charlie Culberson Watch >

      Detmers is the first rookie and just the third pitcher ever to throw an immaculate inning and a no-hitter in the same season, joining Sandy Koufax (1962, '63 and '64) and Mike Fiers (2015).

      • Phil Maton, Astros, June 15, 2022

      Seventh inning vs. Rangers: Nathaniel Lowe, Ezequiel Duran, Brad Miller Watch >

      • Luis Garcia, Astros, June 15, 2022

      Second inning vs. Rangers: Nathaniel Lowe, Ezequiel Duran, Brad Miller Watch >

      • Nestor Cortes, Yankees, April 17, 2022

      Fourth inning vs. Orioles: Anthony Santander, Ryan McKenna, Robinson Chirinos

      • Max Scherzer, Dodgers, Sept. 12, 2021

      Second inning vs. Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr., Eric Hosmer, Tommy Pham

      This was the third time Scherzer has thrown an immaculate inning, tying Chris Sale and Sandy Koufax for the most on record. Watch >

      • Chris Sale, Red Sox, Aug. 26, 2021

      Third inning vs. Twins: Nick Gordon, Andrelton Simmons, Rob Refsnyder Watch >

      • Chad Green, Yankees, July 4, 2021

      Seventh inning vs. Mets: Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, Jonathan Villar Watch >

      • Michael King, Yankees, June 4, 2021

      Fourth inning vs. Red Sox: Hunter Renfroe, Marwin Gonzalez, Christian Vázquez Watch >

      • Kyle Finnegan, Nationals, May 5, 2021

      Sixth inning vs. Braves: Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson and William Contreras Watch >

      • Zach Plesac, Indians, Sept. 18, 2020

      Second inning vs. Tigers: Jorge Bonifacio, Niko Goodrum and Austin Romine Watch >

      • Will Harris, Astros, Sept. 27, 2019

      Eighth inning vs. Angels: Kaleb Cowart, Matt Thaiss and Michael Hermosillo Watch >

      • Chris Martin, Braves, Sept. 11, 2019

      Seventh inning vs. Phillies: Cesar Hernandez, Jay Bruce and Logan Morrison Watch >

      • Kevin Gausman, Reds, Aug. 18, 2019

      Ninth inning vs. Cardinals: Yairo Munoz, Dexter Fowler and Tommy Edman Watch >

      • Stephen Strasburg, Nationals, July 3, 2019

      Fourth inning vs. Marlins: Garrett Cooper, Neil Walker and Starlin Castro Watch >

      Chris Sale, Red Sox, June 5, 2019

      Eighth inning vs. the Royals: Kelvin Gutierrez, Nicky Lopez and Martin Maldonado Watch >

      Chris Sale, Red Sox, May 8, 2019

      Seventh inning vs. the Orioles: Hanser Alberto, Dwight Smith Jr., Stevie Wilkerson Watch >

      Thomas Pannone, Blue Jays, April 14, 2019

      Fifth inning vs. the Rays: Avisail Garcia, Brandon Lowe, Daniel Robertson Watch >

      Josh Hader, Brewers, March 30, 2019

      Ninth inning vs. the Cardinals: Tyler O'Neill, Dexter Fowler, Yairo Munoz Watch >

      Zac Rosscup, Dodgers, Aug. 19, 2018

      Ninth inning vs. the Mariners: Kyle Seager, Ryon Healy, Cameron Maybin Watch >

      German Marquez, Rockies, Aug. 8, 2018

      Fourth inning vs. the Pirates: Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco Watch >

      Max Scherzer, Nationals, June 5, 2018

      Sixth inning vs. the Rays: Johnny Field, Christian Arroyo, Daniel Robertson Watch >

      Kevin Gausman, Orioles, April 23, 2018

      Seventh inning vs. the Indians: Yonder Alonso, Yan Gomes and Bradley Zimmer Watch >

      Rick Porcello, Red Sox, Aug. 9, 2017

      Fifth inning vs. the Rays: Trevor Plouffe, Wilson Ramos and Mallex Smith Watch >

      • Jose Alvarado, Rays, Aug. 4, 2017

      Ninth inning vs. the Brewers: Travis Shaw, Jesus Aguilar and Hernan Perez Watch >

      • Dellin Betances, Yankees, Aug. 2, 2017

      Eighth inning vs. the Tigers: Jim Adduci, Justin Upton and Miguel Cabrera Watch >

      • Carlos Carrasco, Indians, July 7, 2017

      Fifth inning vs. the Tigers: Nicholas Castellanos, Mikie Mahtook and Jose Iglesias Watch >

      • Kenley Jansen, Dodgers, May 18, 2017

      Ninth inning vs. the Marlins: Derek Dietrich, J.T. Riddle and Ichiro Suzuki Watch >

      • Max Scherzer, Nationals, May 14, 2017

      Fifth inning vs. the Phillies: Cesar Hernandez, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr Watch >

      • Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox, May 11, 2017

      Ninth inning vs. the Brewers: Hernan Perez, Travis Shaw and Domingo Santana Watch >

      • Drew Storen, Reds, April 18, 2017

      Ninth inning vs. the Orioles: Jonathan Schoop, J.J. Hardy and Hyun Soo Kim Watch >

      • Juan Nicasio, Pirates, July 4, 2016

      Eighth inning vs. the Cardinals: Stephen Piscotty, Jhonny Peralta and Yadier Molina Watch >

      • Santiago Casilla, Giants, May 17, 2015

      Ninth inning vs. the Reds: Marlon Byrd, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce Watch >

      • Mike Fiers, Brewers, May 7, 2015

      Fourth inning vs. the Dodgers: Enrique Hernandez, Carlos Frias and Joc Pederson Watch >

      • Brandon McCarthy, Yankees, Sept. 17, 2014

      Seventh inning vs. the Rays: Wil Myers, Nick Franklin and Matt Joyce Watch >

      • Carlos Contreras, Reds, July 11, 2014

      Seventh inning vs. the Pirates: Jordy Mercer, Jeff Locke and Gregory Polanco Watch >

      • Rex Brothers, Rockies, June 14, 2014

      Eighth inning vs. the Giants: Michael Morse, Brandon Crawford and Gregor Blanco Watch >

      • Garrett Richards, Angels, June 4, 2014

      Second inning vs. the Astros: Jon Singleton, Matt Dominguez and Chris Carter Watch >

      • Justin Masterson, Indians, June 2, 2014

      Fourth inning vs. the Red Sox: Jonny Gomes, Grady Sizemore and Stephen Drew Watch >

      • Cole Hamels, Phillies, May 17, 2014

      Third inning vs. the Reds: Zack Cozart, Brandon Phillips and Todd Frazier Watch >

      • Brad Boxberger, Rays, May 8, 2014

      Sixth inning vs. the Orioles: Steve Pearce, Jonathan Schoop and Caleb Joseph Watch >

      • Steve Delabar, Blue Jays, July 30, 2013

      Eighth inning vs. the Athletics: Adam Rosales, Coco Crisp and Chris Young Watch >

      • Ivan Nova, Yankees, May 29, 2013

      Eighth inning vs. the Mets: Ike Davis, Mike Baxter and Ruben Tejada Watch >

      • Wade Miley, D-backs, Oct. 1, 2012

      Third inning vs. the Rockies: Jonathan Herrera, Drew Pomeranz and Josh Rutledge Watch >

      • Clay Buchholz, Red Sox, Aug. 16, 2012

      Sixth inning vs. the Orioles: Adam Jones, Matt Wieters and Chris Davis Watch >

      • Juan Perez, Phillies, July 8, 2011

      Tenth inning vs. the Braves: Jason Heyward, Nate McLouth and Wilkin Ramirez Watch >

      • Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals, May 6, 2011

      Second inning vs. the Marlins: Mike Stanton, Greg Dobbs and John Buck Watch >

      • Rafael Soriano, Rays, Aug. 23, 2010

      Ninth inning vs. the Angels: Erick Aybar, Mike Napoli and Peter Bourjos Watch >

      • Ross Ohlendorf, Pirates, Sept. 5, 2009

      Seventh inning vs. the Cardinals: Khalil Greene, Julio Lugo and Jason LaRue Watch >

      • A.J. Burnett, Yankees, June 20, 2009

      Third inning vs. the Marlins: Josh Johnson, Chris Coghlan and Emilio Bonifacio Watch >

      • Felix Hernandez, Mariners, June 17, 2008

      Fourth inning vs. the Marlins: Jeremy Hermida, Jorge Cantu and Mike Jacobs Watch >

      • Rich Harden, Athletics, June 8, 2008

      First inning vs. the Angels: Maicer Izturis, Howie Kendrick and Garret Anderson Watch >

      • Buddy Carlyle, Braves, July 6, 2007

      Fourth inning vs. the Padres: Khalil Greene, Russell Branyan and Jose Cruz Jr. Watch >

      • Rick Helling, Brewers, June 20, 2006

      First inning vs. the Tigers: Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco and Ivan Rodriguez Watch >

      • LaTroy Hawkins, Cubs, Sept. 11, 2004

      Ninth inning vs. the Marlins: Jeff Conine, Juan Encarnacion and Alex Gonzalez Watch >

      • Ben Sheets, Brewers, June 13, 2004

      Third inning vs. the Astros: Pete Munro, Craig Biggio and Jose Vizcaino Watch >

      • Brandon Backe, Astros, April 15, 2004

      Eighth inning vs. the Brewers: Bill Hall, Scott Podsednik and Craig Counsell Watch >

      • Brian Lawrence, Padres, June 12, 2002

      Third inning vs. the Orioles: Brook Fordyce, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Melvin Mora Watch >

      • Pedro Martinez, Red Sox, May 18, 2002

      First inning vs. the Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki, Mark McLemore and Ruben Sierra Watch >

      • Byung-Hyun Kim, D-backs, May 11, 2002

      Eighth inning vs. the Phillies: Scott Rolen, Mike Lieberthal and Pat Burrell Watch >

      • Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals, April 13, 2002

      Ninth inning vs. the Astros: Daryle Ward, Jose Vizcaino and Julio Lugo Watch >

      • Randy Johnson, D-backs, Aug. 23, 2001

      Sixth inning vs. the Pirates: Tony McKnight, Gary Matthews Jr. and Jack Wilson Watch >

      • B.J. Ryan, Orioles, Sept. 5, 1999

      Sixth inning vs. the Indians: Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome and Richie Sexson

      • Shane Reynolds, Astros, July 15, 1999

      First inning vs. the Tigers: Juan Encarnacion, Brad Ausmus and Bobby Higginson

      • Jesus Sanchez, Marlins, Sept. 13, 1998

      Third inning vs. the Braves: Tony Graffanino, Greg Maddux and Walt Weiss Watch >

      • Randy Johnson, Astros, Sept. 2, 1998

      Sixth inning vs. the Braves: Javy Lopez, Andruw Jones and Greg Colbrunn

      • Orel Hershiser, Giants, June 16, 1998

      Fourth inning vs. the Rockies: Ellis Burks, Vinny Castilla and Todd Helton

      • Mike Mussina, Orioles, May 9, 1998

      Ninth inning vs. the Devil Rays: Fred McGriff, Paul Sorrento and Rich Butler

      • Jimmy Key, Orioles, April 14, 1998

      Second inning vs. the White Sox: Robin Ventura, Magglio Ordonez and Ray Durham

      • Doug Jones, Brewers, Sept. 23, 1997

      Ninth inning vs. the Royals: Johnny Damon, Scott Cooper and Rod Myers

      • Roger Clemens, Blue Jays, Sept. 18, 1997

      First inning vs. the Red Sox: Nomar Garciaparra, John Valentin and Mo Vaughn

      • Mike Magnante, Astros, Aug. 22, 1997

      Ninth inning vs. the Rockies: Ellis Burks, Harvey Pulliam and Jeff Reed

      • Todd Worrell, Dodgers, Aug. 13, 1995

      Ninth inning vs. the Pirates: Mark Johnson, Angelo Encarnacion and Steve Pegues

      • Stan Belinda, Royals, Aug. 6, 1994

      Ninth inning vs. the Mariners: Eric Anthony, Chris Howard and Luis Sojo

      • Mel Rojas, Expos, May 11, 1994

      Ninth inning vs. the Mets: David Segui, Todd Hundley and Jeff McKnight

      • Trevor Wilson, Giants, June 7, 1992

      Ninth inning vs. the Astros: Jeff Bagwell, Eric Anthony and Rafael Ramirez

      • Pete Harnisch, Astros, Sept. 6, 1991

      Seventh inning vs. the Phillies: Wes Chamberlain, Dickie Thon and Jose DeJesus

      • David Cone, Mets, Aug. 30, 1991

      Fifth inning vs. the Reds: Herm Winningham, Randy Myers and Mariano Duncan Watch >

      • Andy Ashby, Phillies, June 15, 1991

      Fourth inning vs. the Reds: Hal Morris, Todd Benzinger and Jeff Reed

      • Jeff Montgomery, Royals, April 29, 1990

      Eighth inning vs. the Rangers: Pete Incaviglia, Geno Petralli and Thad Bosley

      • Rob Dibble, Reds, June 4, 1989

      Eighth inning vs. the Padres: Carmelo Martinez, Mark Parent and Garry Templeton

      • Jeff Robinson, Pirates, Sept. 7, 1987

      Eighth inning vs. the Cubs: Leon Durham, Andre Dawson and Rafael Palmeiro

      • Danny Jackson, Royals, Oct. 24, 1985

      Seventh inning vs. the Cardinals: Terry Pendleton, Tom Nieto and Brian Harper Watch >

      • Ron Guidry, Yankees, Aug. 7, 1984

      Ninth inning vs. the White Sox: Carlton Fisk, Tom Paciorek and Greg Luzinski

      • Joey McLaughlin, Braves, Sept. 11, 1979

      Seventh inning vs. the Giants: Larry Herndon, Greg Johnston and Johnnie LeMaster

      • Lynn McGlothen, Cubs, Aug. 25, 1979

      Third inning vs. the Giants: Larry Herndon, Joe Strain and Jack Clark

      • Pedro Borbon, Reds, June 23, 1979

      Ninth inning vs. the Giants: Mike Sadek, Gary Lavelle and Billy North

      • Bruce Sutter, Cubs, Sept. 8, 1977

      Ninth inning vs. the Expos: Ellis Valentine, Gary Carter and Larry Parrish

      • Nolan Ryan, Angels, July 9, 1972

      Second inning vs. the Red Sox: Carlton Fisk, Bob Burda and Juan Beniquez

      • Milt Pappas, Cubs, Sept. 24, 1971

      Fourth inning vs. the Phillies: Greg Luzinski, Don Money and Mike Anderson

      • John Strohmayer, Expos, July 10, 1971

      Fifth inning vs. the Phillies: Mike Ryan, Woodie Fryman and Denny Doyle

      • Bill Wilson, Phillies, July 6, 1971

      Eighth inning vs. the Braves: Darrell Evans, Hal King and Earl Williams

      • Bob Gibson, Cardinals, May 12, 1969

      Seventh inning vs. the Dodgers: Len Gabrielson, Paul Popovich and John Miller

      • Nolan Ryan, Mets, April 19, 1968

      Third inning vs. the Dodgers: Claude Osteen, Wes Parker and Zoilo Versalles

      • Al Downing, Yankees, Aug. 11, 1967

      Second inning vs. the Indians: Tony Horton, Don Demeter and Duke Sims

      • Bob Bruce, Colt .45s, April 19, 1964

      Eighth inning vs. the Cardinals: Bill White, Charlie James and Ken Boyer

      • Sandy Koufax, Dodgers, April 18, 1964

      Third inning vs. the Reds: Leo Cardenas, Johnny Edwards and Jim Maloney

      • Tony Cloninger, Braves, June 15, 1963

      Eighth inning vs. the Phillies: Tony Gonzalez, Clay Dalrymple and Ruben Amaro

      • Sandy Koufax, Dodgers, April 19, 1963

      Fifth inning vs. the Colt .45s: Bob Aspromonte, Jim Campbell and Turk Farrell

      • Sandy Koufax, Dodgers, June 30, 1962

      First inning vs. the Mets: Richie Ashburn, Rod Kanehl and Felix Mantilla

      • Jim Bunning, Tigers, Aug. 2, 1959

      Ninth inning vs. the Red Sox: Sammy White, Jim Mahoney and Ike Delock

      • Robin Roberts, Phillies, April 17, 1956

      Sixth inning vs. the Dodgers: Carl Furillo, Charlie Neal and Sandy Amoros

      • Billy Hoeft, Tigers, Sept. 7, 1953

      Seventh inning vs. the White Sox: Jim Rivera, Mike Fornieles and Chico Carrasquel

      • Lefty Grove, Athletics, Sept. 27, 1928

      Seventh inning vs. the White Sox: Moe Berg, Tommy Thomas and Johnny Mostil

      • Lefty Grove, Athletics, Aug. 23, 1928

      Second inning vs. the Indians: Ed Morgan, Luther Harvel and Martin Autry

      • Dazzy Vance, Dodgers, Sept. 14, 1924

      Second inning vs. the Cubs: Sam Bohne, Bubbles Hargrave and Eppa Rixey

      • Sloppy Thurston, White Sox, Aug. 22, 1923

      Twelfth inning vs. the Athletics: Beauty McGowan, Chick Galloway and Sammy Hale

      • Joe Oeschger, Braves, Sept. 8, 1921

      Fourth inning vs. the Phillies: Bevo LeBourveau, Cy Williams and Ed Konetchy

      • Pat Ragan, Dodgers, Oct. 5, 1914

      Eighth inning vs. the Braves: Possum Whitted, Butch Schmidt and Red Smith

      • Rube Waddell, Athletics, July 1, 1902

      Third inning vs. the Orioles: Billy Gilbert, Harry Howell and John Cronin

      • John Clarkson, Beaneaters, June 4, 1889

      Third inning vs. the Quakers: Jim Fogarty, Sam Thompson and Sid Farrar

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      Ed Eagle is a senior editor for MLB.com. He covered the Pirates for MLB.com from 2001-07.