Dodgers History: Orel Hershiser Sets Scoreless Inning Record

Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers have a history of holding the opposition scoreless for extended periods of time. On this day in 1988, Orel Hershiser set a record when he recorded his 59th consecutive scoreless inning, breaking former Dodger Don Drysdale‘s record.

The 1988 campaign was a solid season for Orel Hershiser, but it did not appear to be the stuff of legend for the first five months. While the Dodgers starter had one of the better years, and was battling Reds ace Danny Jackson for the Cy Young award, It was just another good season. At least, until August 30.

In that game, Hershiser led the Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Expos. He shut down Montreal over the final four innings, pitching a complete game in the process. It was not anything to write home about, or to even think twice of. Then, Hershiser went on a run the likes of which had not been seen in baseball history since Don Drysdale in 1968.

As Hershiser cut down the opposition, he was still neck and neck with Jackson for the Cy Young. That is, until he reached 40 consecutive scoreless innings. His streak continued on against the San Francisco Giants due to a controversial call, where a favorable interference call resulted in an inning ending double play. Interestingly, Drysdale also had a similar call during his streak to keep his own alive.

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Heading into his final start of the regular season, Hershiser needed a complete game shutout to match Drysdale’s record. He did his part on this day in 1988, holding the San Diego Padres scoreless over nine innings. The problem was, Andy Hawkins, the Padres starter, also shut down the Dodgers offense.

And so, with the streak on the line, Hershiser went out for the tenth inning. He struck out Marvell Wynne to lead off the inning, but he reached on a wild pitch. A sacrifice moved Wynne to second, and he headed to third on a groundout. After an intentional walk, Hershiser retired Keith Moreland on a fly ball to center to reach 59 consecutive scoreless innings, setting a new record in the process.

He would continue that effort through the postseason. Hershiser was the MVP of both the NLCS and the World Series, posting a combined 3-0 record with a save. He had three complete games, fired two shutouts, and posted a combined 1.05 ERA in his 42.2 innings. Hershiser capped the season by winning the Cy Young award, and finishing sixth in the MVP vote.

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Players always want to finish the year out on a high note, especially when heading to the postseason. On this day in 1988, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser did just that, and set a new record in the process.