Astros' Justin Verlander Records 3000th Career Strikeout vs. Angels

Justin Verlander became the 18th pitcher in MLB history to join the 3,000 strikeout club.

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Astros ace Justin Verlander recorded his 3,000th career strikeout on Saturday against the Angels, becoming the 18th pitcher in MLB history to reach the milestone.

Entering Saturday's game with 2,994 strikeouts, Verlander hit the mark by striking out Kole Calhoun in the fourth inning, although Calhoun reached first base because the nasty slider got past catcher Martin Maldonado. The crowd at Angels Stadium cheered for Verlander after he reached the feat, and he stepped off the mound to tip his hat to the fans.

However, the celebration didn't last long. Verlander returned to the mound only to give up a two-run homer to Andrelton Simmons on the first pitch. 

Justin Verlander becomes the 18th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts!

(via @MLBStats) pic.twitter.com/ob4nUmPaV1

— SI MLB (@si_mlb) September 29, 2019

Justin Verlander's strikeout of Kole Calhoun was his 3,000th of his career.

Calhoun reached base (wild pitch).

It's just the 3rd of Verlander's 3,000 K (and counting) where the batter that struck out reached base.

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 29, 2019

In the second inning, Verlander also recorded his 291st strikeout of the year, setting a new personal single-season record. Nolan Ryan holds the record for most career strikeouts with 5,714, and Yankees southpaw CC Sabathia leads all active MLB players in strikeouts with 3,093. Sabathia reached the milestone earlier this season. Verlander is second on the active players list behind the Bronx Bomber.

He is in his 15th season and his third with Houston. Verlander won the 2017 World Series with the Astros after being acquired from the Tigers at the end of August. The 36-year-old threw his third career no-hitter earlier this season, joining Nolan Ryan, Sandy Koufax, Bob Feller and Cy Young on the short list of players to accomplish the feat.

Verlander entered Saturday with a career 3.33 ERA through 452 starts, posting a 224–129 record. He is an eight-time All-Star and won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2006, as well as the 2011 AL Cy Young and MVP awards.