Chapman Breaks Reliever Strikeout Record, Secures Red Sox Win
Anaheim, California – Aroldis Chapman, the veteran Boston Red Sox left-hander, made history Friday night at Angel Stadium, becoming Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in strikeouts by a reliever. The 38-year-old recorded his 1,364th career strikeout, surpassing Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm’s long-standing record.
The record-breaking K came in the ninth inning against the Angels’ Denzer Guzman. While known for his blistering fastballs, Chapman secured this milestone with a 98.6 mph pitch. He then closed out a 5-2 Boston victory, inducing a game-ending double play for his 384th career save.
Chapman, who has pitched exclusively as a reliever throughout his 17-year career, expressed his satisfaction, stating through an interpreter, “I feel very happy, very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish.” The Red Sox celebrated his achievement in their clubhouse with a video retrospective of his career, from his 2010 debut to his two World Series titles.
Interim manager Chad Tracy highlighted Chapman’s enduring dominance, noting, “What a career he’s had.” The record-setting strikeout follows Chapman tying Wilhelm’s mark just days earlier against the Yankees and passing Joe Nathan for tenth on the all-time saves list in May with his 378th save.
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