Mark Buehrle set the Major League record for most consecutive batters retired by setting down the first 17 Twins hitters on Tuesday at the Metrodome, giving him 45 straight without a baserunner. He struck out Michael Cuddyer to open the fifth and set the mark on Joe Crede’s groundout to shortstop Alexei Ramirez.
The previous record of 41 was shared by White Sox closer Bobby Jenks (July 17-Aug. 12, 2007) and San Francisco’s Jim Barr (Aug. 23-29, 1972). Buehrle set down the last hitter he faced against the Orioles on July 18 via a Nick Markakis flyout and then followed up that effort with the 18th perfect game in Major League Baseball history last Thursday against the Rays. Brian Roberts’ single in the eighth inning of the game against the Orioles was the last baserunner Buehrle allowed.
Buehrle struck out three in the first 15 Minnesota batters faced and retired nine via the ground ball.
