Strikeout Kings

Via Mike Pesca, here is a list of pitchers who have struck out three batters on nine pitches in one inning. When I clicked the link, I had a hunch the Marlins would show up in the victim column a few times. I was right.

In 2004, LaTroy Hawkins struck out Jeff Conine, Juan Encarnacion, and Alex Gonzalez to close out a 5-2 Cubs victory. In 2008, Felix Hernandez K'ed Jeremy Hermida, Jorge Cantu, and Mike Jacobs in the fourth inning of a 5-4 Mariners triumph. And in 2009, AJ Burnett punched out Josh Johnson, Chris Coghlan, and Emilio Bonifacio (of course) in the third-inning of a Yankees loss.

No Marlins pitcher has accomplished this feat. Now Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco have something to shoot for.