WASHINGTON -- Max Scherzer continues to put himself in rare company.
The Washington Nationals ace and three-time Cy Young winner recorded his 2,500th career strikeout Friday, becoming the third-fastest pitcher to reach the plateau, based on innings.
"It's really cool," said Scherzer, who fanned 10 in seven innings against the San Diego Padres. He allowed two runs on four hits and got a no-decision in Washington's 4-3 loss. "It's stuff that you'll think about in the offseason a little bit more than you do now. Right now, you're just caught up in living it day by day, going through the season. But it's a cool milestone to reach. But I just know I've got a lot more in front of me and I need to focus on pitching and what I'm going to do over the course of the rest of the season."
Scherzer's milestone whiff came in the top of the sixth inning, when he caught Padres outfielder Manuel Margot looking at an 86 mph slider. It was the seventh punchout of the game for Scherzer, who didn't allow a baserunner until Eric Hosmer hit a solo home run with one out in the top of the fifth. After fanning Margot, Scherzer received an ovation from the crowd at Nationals Park.
"Obviously, once I got it and I could hear the crowd, I think I knew what was going on," Scherzer said. "But it's a cool moment, especially when the fans appreciate it -- you definitely appreciate it. When they're all standing for you, you've got to take a second to acknowledge the fans, because the fans are what drive this game. Definitely appreciate their support."
The only hurlers to reach 2,500 strikeouts quicker than Scherzer are Hall of Famers Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Johnson did it in 2,107⅔ innings, while it took Martinez 2,152⅔ frames. At one point during their respective careers, all three pitchers played for the Nationals/Expos franchise.
Scherzer has led the National League in punchouts each of the past three years, including last season, when he became the fifth hurler since 2001 to record 300 whiffs in a season.
The 34-year-old righty is now 1-3 with a 4.12 ERA. He had a National League-best 44 strikeouts entering play Friday.
Scherzer is the 35th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 2,500 mark. He ranks third among active hurlers in strikeouts, behind CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander.