AROLDIS CHAPMAN BREAKS MLB RELIEF PITCHER STRIKEOUT RECORD

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 on Friday, with relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman setting a new MLB record. Chapman struck out Dominican infielder Denzer Guzman in the ninth inning to record his 1,364th career strikeout, surpassing Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm's previous record of 1,363 strikeouts set in 1972. The record-breaking strikeout came on a 98.6 mph fastball. Chapman went on to secure a game-ending double play, earning his 384th career save in the process.

Chapman, nicknamed the "Cuban Missile," holds the separate MLB record for the fastest pitch ever thrown at 105.8 mph. His 2026 season statistics stand at a 2.10 ERA across 27 appearances, comprising 25⅔ innings pitched, with 33 strikeouts and 12 walks. The Red Sox celebrated the achievement in the clubhouse following the match, with teammates viewing a video documenting Chapman's 16-year MLB career.

Chapman addressed the milestone in the postgame press conference in Anaheim, stating that he felt "very happy, very proud" of his accomplishment. He attributed the record to consistent daily effort and a positive mindset. Interim manager Chad Tracy commented that the team had been "waiting for that one," confirming the significance of the achievement across the franchise.