Orel Hershiser Cheers for Cristopher Sanchez's Near Record While Keeping His Own Intact

PHOENIX — As Orel Hershiser prepared for his dinner before broadcasting the Los Angeles Dodgers' game on Wednesday, he learned that Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies had fallen short of breaking his long-standing scoreless innings record. Hershiser admitted he was secretly hoping for Sanchez to succeed, although his family and friends were likely relieved that his impressive 59-inning streak still stands. Sanchez’s run came to an end at 50.2 innings, halted by a two-out single from San Diego Padres center fielder Jack Merrill, which allowed Ty France to score from second base.

“It’s a great accomplishment, it really is,” Hershiser told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s tremendous. I really believe you’re going to see more streaks this year. You’ve got guys like Shohei (Ohtani of the Dodgers), Miz (Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers). I think with the way hitting is now, you’re going to see more of these streaks. Someone will break the record.”

Despite the recent close call, Hershiser's record, set in 1988, remains unchallenged for 38 years and counting. “I was rooting for him because I know how special it is in your life,” he reflected. “He’s having a great year. He’s got to be the front-runner for the Cy Young. He’s got ridiculous stuff. And he’s a strikeout pitcher, much more of a strikeout pitcher than I was.”

Hershiser is optimistic that one day, whether it’s Sanchez or another pitcher, his record will eventually be surpassed. He noted the lengthy history of baseball records, recalling that it took him two decades to eclipse Don Drysdale's 58-inning streak and 55 years for Drysdale to break Walter Johnson’s 55.2-inning mark from 1913. “Really, when you think about it,” he said, “it’s a team record. Even though it gets attributed to individuals, somebody has to pick up the groundball and throw it to first. Somebody’s got to catch the fly ball in the gap.”

Ultimately, Hershiser emphasized that while his scoreless innings record is significant, the true highlight of his career was winning the 1988 World Series championship. “To this day when I get together with my teammates, we celebrate that championship, and I thank them for picking that ball up and doing the things needed for 59 scoreless.”