Doug Fister Strikes out AL Record 9 Consecutive Batters vs. Royals

In the heat of a playoff race, teams need great performances from their top players. The Detroit Tigers got more than that with a record-setting feat by Doug Fister.

The pitcher struck out nine consecutive batters in his game against the Kansas City Royals to set a new American League record. Major League Baseball's official Twitter account congratulated the righty:

"

BREAKING: @tigers RHP Doug Fister sets American League record with 9 consecutive strikeouts.

— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2012"

The streak started in the top of the fourth when catcher Salvador Perez struck out looking. Fister then went through the entire rest of the lineup without allowing a single batter to even put the ball back in play.

Tom Seaver owns the major league record with 10 consecutive strikeouts against the San Diego Padres in 1970. 

Fister is building off a complete game shutout against the Minnesota Twins in his last start. He ran his scoreless streak up to 16 innings before allowing a run-scoring double by Jeff Francoeur.

Things started to unravel at that point as three runners were able to score in the eighth. He was relieved by Phil Coke with a runner still on base, but that does not take away from his record-breaking performance.

Detroit needs every one of its players to perform this well as the team is a part of one of the closest divisional races in the majors. Three straight wins have put the Tigers on top of the Chicago White Sox by one game with only six left to play after Thursday.

If the Tigers are able to hold on for the win, it will put the team in very good position for a playoff spot. The six remaining games are against the Royals and Twins, two teams well under .500 for the season.

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