Strikeouts are one of the most exciting parts of the game of baseball. They are also one of the most difficult feats for a pitcher to achieve. But when a pitcher is able to successfully record five strikeouts in a row, it is an impressive accomplishment. So what is 5 strikeouts in a row called?
The 5 Strikeout Streak
When a pitcher is able to strike out five batters in a row, it is referred to as a “5 strikeout streak” or a “5K streak.” This is a rare feat that many pitchers strive to achieve, but few are able to do so. The 5K streak is a testament to the skill and focus of the pitcher, as it requires a great deal of concentration and control over the strike zone.
The History of the 5 Strikeout Streak
The 5 strikeout streak is not a new concept. It has been around since the early days of professional baseball, and the record for most consecutive strikeouts stands at 21, set by Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver in 1970. Since then, many pitchers have come close to breaking the record, but none have been able to do so.
The Most Recent 5 Strikeout Streak
The most recent 5 strikeout streak was recorded by Cleveland Indians pitcher Shane Bieber in 2019. Bieber struck out five consecutive batters in the fifth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers. It was an impressive feat, and one that helped Bieber secure the win for the Indians.
Notable 5 Strikeout Streaks
There have been a number of notable 5 strikeout streaks throughout baseball history. Most recently, Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros struck out five consecutive batters in a game against the Oakland A’s in 2018. Other notable 5K streaks include Randy Johnson’s streak of seven consecutive strikeouts in 2001, and Pedro Martinez’s streak of eight consecutive strikeouts in 1997.
Conclusion
A 5 strikeout streak is an impressive feat for any pitcher. It is a testament to the skill and focus of the pitcher, as it requires a great deal of concentration and control over the strike zone. While the record for consecutive strikeouts stands at 21, many pitchers have come close to breaking the record, and there have been a number of notable 5 strikeout streaks throughout baseball history.