Immaculate innings: 3 strikeouts on 9 pitches

May 24th, 2023

Three up, three down, with all three batters struck out on three pitches each.

While the "immaculate inning" isn't nearly as rare as it once was -- there were none from 1929-52 and seven alone in 2022 -- any pitcher who can plow through a big league lineup on nine straight strikes deserves a special place in the record book.

"I've been pitching seven or eight years, and I just [didn't] know what [an immaculate inning] is," Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said after tossing one in 2017. "But now I know, and it's awesome."

Here are the pitchers who have accomplished the impressive feat.

• Johan Oviedo, Pirates, May 24, 2023

Fourth inning vs. Rangers: Jonah Heim, Robbie Grossman and Josh H. Smith

• Colin Holderman, Pirates, May 4, 2023

Seventh inning vs. Rays: Taylor Walls, Luke Raley and Christian Bethancourt Watch >

Enyel De Los Santos, Guardians, Sept. 27, 2022

Seventh inning vs. Rays: Christian Bethancourt, Jose Siri and Taylor Walls Watch >

Hayden Wesneski, Cubs, Sept. 22, 2022

Fifth inning vs. Pirates: Jack Suwinski, Zack Collins and Jason Delay Watch >

Ryan Helsley, Cardinals, Sept. 16, 2022

Ninth inning vs. Reds: Kyle Farmer, Jake Fraley and Donovan Solano Watch >

Reid Detmers, Angels, July 31, 2022

Second inning vs. Rangers: Ezequiel Duran, Kole Calhoun, Charlie Culberson Watch >

Detmers is the first rookie and just the third pitcher ever to throw an immaculate inning and a no-hitter in the same season, joining Sandy Koufax (1962, '63 and '64) and Mike Fiers (2015).

• Phil Maton, Astros, June 15, 2022

Seventh inning vs. Rangers: Nathaniel Lowe, Ezequiel Duran, Brad Miller Watch >

• Luis Garcia, Astros, June 15, 2022

Second inning vs. Rangers: Nathaniel Lowe, Ezequiel Duran, Brad Miller Watch >

• Nestor Cortes, Yankees, April 17, 2022

Fourth inning vs. Orioles: Anthony Santander, Ryan McKenna, Robinson Chirinos

• Max Scherzer, Dodgers, Sept. 12, 2021

Second inning vs. Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr., Eric Hosmer, Tommy Pham

This was the third time Scherzer has thrown an immaculate inning, tying Chris Sale and Sandy Koufax for the most on record. Watch >

• Chris Sale, Red Sox, Aug. 26, 2021

Third inning vs. Twins: Nick Gordon, Andrelton Simmons, Rob Refsnyder Watch >

• Chad Green, Yankees, July 4, 2021

Seventh inning vs. Mets: Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil, Jonathan Villar Watch >

• Michael King, Yankees, June 4, 2021

Fourth inning vs. Red Sox: Hunter Renfroe, Marwin Gonzalez, Christian Vázquez Watch >

• Kyle Finnegan, Nationals, May 5, 2021

Sixth inning vs. Braves: Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson and William Contreras Watch >

• Zach Plesac, Indians, Sept. 18, 2020

Second inning vs. Tigers: Jorge Bonifacio, Niko Goodrum and Austin Romine Watch >

• Will Harris, Astros, Sept. 27, 2019

Eighth inning vs. Angels: Kaleb Cowart, Matt Thaiss and Michael Hermosillo Watch >

• Chris Martin, Braves, Sept. 11, 2019

Seventh inning vs. Phillies: Cesar Hernandez, Jay Bruce and Logan Morrison Watch >

• Kevin Gausman, Reds, Aug. 18, 2019

Ninth inning vs. Cardinals: Yairo Munoz, Dexter Fowler and Tommy Edman Watch >

• Stephen Strasburg, Nationals, July 3, 2019

Fourth inning vs. Marlins: Garrett Cooper, Neil Walker and Starlin Castro Watch >

Chris Sale, Red Sox, June 5, 2019

Eighth inning vs. the Royals: Kelvin Gutierrez, Nicky Lopez and Martin Maldonado Watch >

Chris Sale, Red Sox, May 8, 2019

Seventh inning vs. the Orioles: Hanser Alberto, Dwight Smith Jr., Stevie Wilkerson Watch >

Thomas Pannone, Blue Jays, April 14, 2019

Fifth inning vs. the Rays: Avisail Garcia, Brandon Lowe, Daniel Robertson Watch >

Josh Hader, Brewers, March 30, 2019

Ninth inning vs. the Cardinals: Tyler O'Neill, Dexter Fowler, Yairo Munoz Watch >

Zac Rosscup, Dodgers, Aug. 19, 2018

Ninth inning vs. the Mariners: Kyle Seager, Ryon Healy, Cameron Maybin Watch >

German Marquez, Rockies, Aug. 8, 2018

Fourth inning vs. the Pirates: Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco Watch >

Max Scherzer, Nationals, June 5, 2018

Sixth inning vs. the Rays: Johnny Field, Christian Arroyo, Daniel Robertson Watch >

Kevin Gausman, Orioles, April 23, 2018

Seventh inning vs. the Indians: Yonder Alonso, Yan Gomes and Bradley Zimmer Watch >

Rick Porcello, Red Sox, Aug. 9, 2017

Fifth inning vs. the Rays: Trevor Plouffe, Wilson Ramos and Mallex Smith Watch >

• Jose Alvarado, Rays, Aug. 4, 2017

Ninth inning vs. the Brewers: Travis Shaw, Jesus Aguilar and Hernan Perez Watch >

• Dellin Betances, Yankees, Aug. 2, 2017

Eighth inning vs. the Tigers: Jim Adduci, Justin Upton and Miguel Cabrera Watch >

• Carlos Carrasco, Indians, July 7, 2017

Fifth inning vs. the Tigers: Nicholas Castellanos, Mikie Mahtook and Jose Iglesias Watch >

• Kenley Jansen, Dodgers, May 18, 2017

Ninth inning vs. the Marlins: Derek Dietrich, J.T. Riddle and Ichiro Suzuki Watch >

• Max Scherzer, Nationals, May 14, 2017

Fifth inning vs. the Phillies: Cesar Hernandez, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr Watch >

• Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox, May 11, 2017

Ninth inning vs. the Brewers: Hernan Perez, Travis Shaw and Domingo Santana Watch >

• Drew Storen, Reds, April 18, 2017

Ninth inning vs. the Orioles: Jonathan Schoop, J.J. Hardy and Hyun Soo Kim Watch >

• Juan Nicasio, Pirates, July 4, 2016

Eighth inning vs. the Cardinals: Stephen Piscotty, Jhonny Peralta and Yadier Molina Watch >

• Santiago Casilla, Giants, May 17, 2015

Ninth inning vs. the Reds: Marlon Byrd, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce Watch >

• Mike Fiers, Brewers, May 7, 2015

Fourth inning vs. the Dodgers: Enrique Hernandez, Carlos Frias and Joc Pederson Watch >

• Brandon McCarthy, Yankees, Sept. 17, 2014

Seventh inning vs. the Rays: Wil Myers, Nick Franklin and Matt Joyce Watch >

• Carlos Contreras, Reds, July 11, 2014

Seventh inning vs. the Pirates: Jordy Mercer, Jeff Locke and Gregory Polanco Watch >

• Rex Brothers, Rockies, June 14, 2014

Eighth inning vs. the Giants: Michael Morse, Brandon Crawford and Gregor Blanco Watch >

• Garrett Richards, Angels, June 4, 2014

Second inning vs. the Astros: Jon Singleton, Matt Dominguez and Chris Carter Watch >

• Justin Masterson, Indians, June 2, 2014

Fourth inning vs. the Red Sox: Jonny Gomes, Grady Sizemore and Stephen Drew Watch >

• Cole Hamels, Phillies, May 17, 2014

Third inning vs. the Reds: Zack Cozart, Brandon Phillips and Todd Frazier Watch >

• Brad Boxberger, Rays, May 8, 2014

Sixth inning vs. the Orioles: Steve Pearce, Jonathan Schoop and Caleb Joseph Watch >

• Steve Delabar, Blue Jays, July 30, 2013

Eighth inning vs. the Athletics: Adam Rosales, Coco Crisp and Chris Young Watch >

• Ivan Nova, Yankees, May 29, 2013

Eighth inning vs. the Mets: Ike Davis, Mike Baxter and Ruben Tejada Watch >

• Wade Miley, D-backs, Oct. 1, 2012

Third inning vs. the Rockies: Jonathan Herrera, Drew Pomeranz and Josh Rutledge Watch >

• Clay Buchholz, Red Sox, Aug. 16, 2012

Sixth inning vs. the Orioles: Adam Jones, Matt Wieters and Chris Davis Watch >

• Juan Perez, Phillies, July 8, 2011

Tenth inning vs. the Braves: Jason Heyward, Nate McLouth and Wilkin Ramirez Watch >

• Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals, May 6, 2011

Second inning vs. the Marlins: Mike Stanton, Greg Dobbs and John Buck Watch >

• Rafael Soriano, Rays, Aug. 23, 2010

Ninth inning vs. the Angels: Erick Aybar, Mike Napoli and Peter Bourjos Watch >

• Ross Ohlendorf, Pirates, Sept. 5, 2009

Seventh inning vs. the Cardinals: Khalil Greene, Julio Lugo and Jason LaRue Watch >

• A.J. Burnett, Yankees, June 20, 2009

Third inning vs. the Marlins: Josh Johnson, Chris Coghlan and Emilio Bonifacio Watch >

• Felix Hernandez, Mariners, June 17, 2008

Fourth inning vs. the Marlins: Jeremy Hermida, Jorge Cantu and Mike Jacobs Watch >

• Rich Harden, Athletics, June 8, 2008

First inning vs. the Angels: Maicer Izturis, Howie Kendrick and Garret Anderson Watch >

• Buddy Carlyle, Braves, July 6, 2007

Fourth inning vs. the Padres: Khalil Greene, Russell Branyan and Jose Cruz Jr. Watch >

• Rick Helling, Brewers, June 20, 2006

First inning vs. the Tigers: Curtis Granderson, Placido Polanco and Ivan Rodriguez Watch >

• LaTroy Hawkins, Cubs, Sept. 11, 2004

Ninth inning vs. the Marlins: Jeff Conine, Juan Encarnacion and Alex Gonzalez Watch >

• Ben Sheets, Brewers, June 13, 2004

Third inning vs. the Astros: Pete Munro, Craig Biggio and Jose Vizcaino Watch >

• Brandon Backe, Astros, April 15, 2004

Eighth inning vs. the Brewers: Bill Hall, Scott Podsednik and Craig Counsell Watch >

• Brian Lawrence, Padres, June 12, 2002

Third inning vs. the Orioles: Brook Fordyce, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Melvin Mora Watch >

• Pedro Martinez, Red Sox, May 18, 2002

First inning vs. the Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki, Mark McLemore and Ruben Sierra Watch >

• Byung-Hyun Kim, D-backs, May 11, 2002

Eighth inning vs. the Phillies: Scott Rolen, Mike Lieberthal and Pat Burrell Watch >

• Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals, April 13, 2002

Ninth inning vs. the Astros: Daryle Ward, Jose Vizcaino and Julio Lugo Watch >

• Randy Johnson, D-backs, Aug. 23, 2001

Sixth inning vs. the Pirates: Tony McKnight, Gary Matthews Jr. and Jack Wilson Watch >

• B.J. Ryan, Orioles, Sept. 5, 1999

Sixth inning vs. the Indians: Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome and Richie Sexson

• Shane Reynolds, Astros, July 15, 1999

First inning vs. the Tigers: Juan Encarnacion, Brad Ausmus and Bobby Higginson

• Jesus Sanchez, Marlins, Sept. 13, 1998

Third inning vs. the Braves: Tony Graffanino, Greg Maddux and Walt Weiss Watch >

• Randy Johnson, Astros, Sept. 2, 1998

Sixth inning vs. the Braves: Javy Lopez, Andruw Jones and Greg Colbrunn

• Orel Hershiser, Giants, June 16, 1998

Fourth inning vs. the Rockies: Ellis Burks, Vinny Castilla and Todd Helton

• Mike Mussina, Orioles, May 9, 1998

Ninth inning vs. the Devil Rays: Fred McGriff, Paul Sorrento and Rich Butler

• Jimmy Key, Orioles, April 14, 1998

Second inning vs. the White Sox: Robin Ventura, Magglio Ordonez and Ray Durham

• Doug Jones, Brewers, Sept. 23, 1997

Ninth inning vs. the Royals: Johnny Damon, Scott Cooper and Rod Myers

• Roger Clemens, Blue Jays, Sept. 18, 1997

First inning vs. the Red Sox: Nomar Garciaparra, John Valentin and Mo Vaughn

• Mike Magnante, Astros, Aug. 22, 1997

Ninth inning vs. the Rockies: Ellis Burks, Harvey Pulliam and Jeff Reed

• Todd Worrell, Dodgers, Aug. 13, 1995

Ninth inning vs. the Pirates: Mark Johnson, Angelo Encarnacion and Steve Pegues

• Stan Belinda, Royals, Aug. 6, 1994

Ninth inning vs. the Mariners: Eric Anthony, Chris Howard and Luis Sojo

• Mel Rojas, Expos, May 11, 1994

Ninth inning vs. the Mets: David Segui, Todd Hundley and Jeff McKnight

• Trevor Wilson, Giants, June 7, 1992

Ninth inning vs. the Astros: Jeff Bagwell, Eric Anthony and Rafael Ramirez

• Pete Harnisch, Astros, Sept. 6, 1991

Seventh inning vs. the Phillies: Wes Chamberlain, Dickie Thon and Jose DeJesus

• David Cone, Mets, Aug. 30, 1991

Fifth inning vs. the Reds: Herm Winningham, Randy Myers and Mariano Duncan Watch >

• Andy Ashby, Phillies, June 15, 1991

Fourth inning vs. the Reds: Hal Morris, Todd Benzinger and Jeff Reed

• Jeff Montgomery, Royals, April 29, 1990

Eighth inning vs. the Rangers: Pete Incaviglia, Geno Petralli and Thad Bosley

• Rob Dibble, Reds, June 4, 1989

Eighth inning vs. the Padres: Carmelo Martinez, Mark Parent and Garry Templeton

• Jeff Robinson, Pirates, Sept. 7, 1987

Eighth inning vs. the Cubs: Leon Durham, Andre Dawson and Rafael Palmeiro

• Danny Jackson, Royals, Oct. 24, 1985

Seventh inning vs. the Cardinals: Terry Pendleton, Tom Nieto and Brian Harper Watch >

• Ron Guidry, Yankees, Aug. 7, 1984

Ninth inning vs. the White Sox: Carlton Fisk, Tom Paciorek and Greg Luzinski

• Joey McLaughlin, Braves, Sept. 11, 1979

Seventh inning vs. the Giants: Larry Herndon, Greg Johnston and Johnnie LeMaster

• Lynn McGlothen, Cubs, Aug. 25, 1979

Third inning vs. the Giants: Larry Herndon, Joe Strain and Jack Clark

• Pedro Borbon, Reds, June 23, 1979

Ninth inning vs. the Giants: Mike Sadek, Gary Lavelle and Billy North

• Bruce Sutter, Cubs, Sept. 8, 1977

Ninth inning vs. the Expos: Ellis Valentine, Gary Carter and Larry Parrish

• Nolan Ryan, Angels, July 9, 1972

Second inning vs. the Red Sox: Carlton Fisk, Bob Burda and Juan Beniquez

• Milt Pappas, Cubs, Sept. 24, 1971

Fourth inning vs. the Phillies: Greg Luzinski, Don Money and Mike Anderson

• John Strohmayer, Expos, July 10, 1971

Fifth inning vs. the Phillies: Mike Ryan, Woodie Fryman and Denny Doyle

• Bill Wilson, Phillies, July 6, 1971

Eighth inning vs. the Braves: Darrell Evans, Hal King and Earl Williams

• Bob Gibson, Cardinals, May 12, 1969

Seventh inning vs. the Dodgers: Len Gabrielson, Paul Popovich and John Miller

• Nolan Ryan, Mets, April 19, 1968

Third inning vs. the Dodgers: Claude Osteen, Wes Parker and Zoilo Versalles

• Al Downing, Yankees, Aug. 11, 1967

Second inning vs. the Indians: Tony Horton, Don Demeter and Duke Sims

• Bob Bruce, Colt .45s, April 19, 1964

Eighth inning vs. the Cardinals: Bill White, Charlie James and Ken Boyer

• Sandy Koufax, Dodgers, April 18, 1964

Third inning vs. the Reds: Leo Cardenas, Johnny Edwards and Jim Maloney

• Tony Cloninger, Braves, June 15, 1963

Eighth inning vs. the Phillies: Tony Gonzalez, Clay Dalrymple and Ruben Amaro

• Sandy Koufax, Dodgers, April 19, 1963

Fifth inning vs. the Colt .45s: Bob Aspromonte, Jim Campbell and Turk Farrell

• Sandy Koufax, Dodgers, June 30, 1962

First inning vs. the Mets: Richie Ashburn, Rod Kanehl and Felix Mantilla

• Jim Bunning, Tigers, Aug. 2, 1959

Ninth inning vs. the Red Sox: Sammy White, Jim Mahoney and Ike Delock

• Robin Roberts, Phillies, April 17, 1956

Sixth inning vs. the Dodgers: Carl Furillo, Charlie Neal and Sandy Amoros

• Billy Hoeft, Tigers, Sept. 7, 1953

Seventh inning vs. the White Sox: Jim Rivera, Mike Fornieles and Chico Carrasquel

• Lefty Grove, Athletics, Sept. 27, 1928

Seventh inning vs. the White Sox: Moe Berg, Tommy Thomas and Johnny Mostil

• Lefty Grove, Athletics, Aug. 23, 1928

Second inning vs. the Indians: Ed Morgan, Luther Harvel and Martin Autry

• Dazzy Vance, Dodgers, Sept. 14, 1924

Second inning vs. the Cubs: Sam Bohne, Bubbles Hargrave and Eppa Rixey

• Sloppy Thurston, White Sox, Aug. 22, 1923

Twelfth inning vs. the Athletics: Beauty McGowan, Chick Galloway and Sammy Hale

• Joe Oeschger, Braves, Sept. 8, 1921

Fourth inning vs. the Phillies: Bevo LeBourveau, Cy Williams and Ed Konetchy

• Pat Ragan, Dodgers, Oct. 5, 1914

Eighth inning vs. the Braves: Possum Whitted, Butch Schmidt and Red Smith

• Rube Waddell, Athletics, July 1, 1902

Third inning vs. the Orioles: Billy Gilbert, Harry Howell and John Cronin

• John Clarkson, Beaneaters, June 4, 1889

Third inning vs. the Quakers: Jim Fogarty, Sam Thompson and Sid Farrar