Mets' Jacob deGrom Matches Record by Starting Game with 8 Straight Strikeouts

According to MLB Milestones, New York Mets starter Jacob deGrom tied a modern-day MLB record Monday evening by striking out the first eight batters to begin a game.

The record was originally set by Jim Deshaies of the Houston Astros in 1986.

Facing the Miami Marlins, deGrom struck out the side in the first and second innings. He retired four of the six batters swinging, while the other two went down with their bats on their shoulders.

DeGrom then opened the third inning by striking out second baseman Jordany Valdespin, followed by catcher Jeff Mathis, who also swung and missed at a third strike. As luck would have it, deGrom was unable to get the tie-breaking K, as Marlins starting pitcher Jarred Cosart singled to right to end the streak.

DeGrom ultimately pitched seven innings and struck out a career-high 13 batters. He got his first career MLB win against the Marlins back on June 21. He's now faced them four times this season, with a 2-0 record, 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings and a 1.33 ERA in those outings.

Deshaies' record-setting performance came against the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 23, 1986, which was coincidentally his fourth start against the Dodgers that year.

Deshaies recorded his first career shutout that night, allowing only two hits while striking out 10. His consecutive strikeouts streak wasn't stopped by the opposing pitcher, as Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda pulled starter Dennis Powell after only three innings for pinch hitter Larry See, who then popped out to end the streak.

All stats courtesy of MLB.com unless otherwise noted.