Astros break MLB strikeout record in Sweep of Orioles... in a good way

The Astros swept the Baltimore Orioles in a 3-game series at Minute Maid Park this week for their first 3-game winning streak of the season (cue the Orbit streaking GIF). Pitching certainly led the way as the Astros' offense only scored 11 total runs in the series. While the Astros' pitchers can typically rely on the defense to back them up, they took matters into their own hands for much of the series.

Prior to this series, no MLB team had struck out more than 47 times in a 3-game series. In the 6th inning of yesterday's ballgame, Michael Feliz struck out Jonathan Schoop on 3 pitches for the 48th strikeout of an Orioles batter in the series. After striking out Paul Janish to end the inning, Feliz got two more Ks in the 7th and Will Harris struck out Adam Jones in the 8th to set the new record at 52 strikeouts.

The Astros also became the first MLB team since 1913 to strike out 15 batters in three consecutive games with 19 Ks in Game 1 (which lasted 13 innings), 18 Ks in Game 2, and 15 Ks in Game 3.

Take a look at all the contributions. Every Astros pitcher who appeared in the series recorded at least one strikeout.

Just in case there was any concern that they may have been getting help from the umpires on called third strikes, 47 of the 52 strikeouts were swinging. This was simply a dominant effort by the Astros pitching staff, both the rotation and the bullpen.

Go 'Stros!!