It probably won’t get much attention because it’s kind of an odd record, but Giants right-hander Yusmeiro Petit just set a new MLB all-time mark by retiring 46 consecutive batters.
There was no perfect game involved and in fact the 46 batters stretched over the course of eight appearances. Mark Buehrle held the previous record of 45 back in 2009.
And here’s the funny part: After setting the record Petit allowed a double to the next batter, who was Rockies pitcher Jordan Lyles. So, set down 46 straight hitters and then give up a double to a pitcher. Makes sense.
Petit also came up one out short of a perfect game last September against the Diamondbacks, so he’s had some remarkable stretches for a 29-year-old journeyman with fewer than 400 career innings in the big leagues.
Petit was once a top prospect with the Mets and posted incredible numbers in the minors, but his high-80s fastball always made people skeptical and he struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark early in his career. Since joining the Giants last season Petit has a sub-3.50 ERA in nearly 140 innings, with great secondary numbers.
