Dwight Gooden's 20 Strikeout Game (1985)
The night Dr. K struck out 20 Astros.
Dwight Gooden's 20-strikeout game occurred on September 12, 1984, against the Houston Astros at the Astrodome. The Mets won 10-0. Gooden struck out 20 batters, tying the major league record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game.
Quick Facts
- Date
- September 12, 1984
- Opponent
- Houston Astros
- Venue
- Astrodome
- Result
- Mets Win 10-0
Lore & Background
In his rookie season, Gooden set the then-major league record for strikeouts per 9 innings (11.39) and led the league in strikeouts with 276, breaking Herb Score's rookie record. His 20-strikeout game was part of a stretch where he had 41 strikeouts and 1 walk in his final three starts of 1984.
Reader's Guide
Gooden's 20-strikeout game is a highlight of his 1984 Rookie of the Year season. He finished second in the NL Cy Young Award voting that year despite leading the league in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, and having a lower ERA than the winner.
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