VIDEO: Watch Lucas Giolito Rack up 8 Straight K's Against Royals
By Daniel Marcillo
Lucas Giolito simply carved up the Kansas City Royals during his afternoon start Thursday. He has set career highs in virtually every pitching statistic this season, including a 3.28 ERA. During this dominant daytime start, he racked up 10 strikeouts-- and even had eight in a row at one point.
Lucas Giolito, 8 consecutive Ks. ? pic.twitter.com/n4vVHLMoss
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 12, 2019
Giolito was moving the ball up and down, in and out. With his new arm motion, he has been using this season, the ball looks like it is coming out of a cannon. Despite allowing five runs in Thursday's game, Giolito has provided the White Sox with something to build their future on.
White Sox single season strikeout leaders
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) September 12, 2019
Chris Sale, 2015: 274
Ed Walsh, 1908: 269
Ed Walsh, 1910: 258
Ed Walsh, 1911: 255
Ed Walsh, 1912: 254
Chris Sale, 2016: 233
Chris Sale, 2013: 226
Lucas Giolito, 2019: 221
I've covered two of these three pitchers.
If Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander did not exist, Giolito would be talked about as a potential Cy Young winner in the AL. He will not win -- let's be honest -- but could still finish in the top five, a terrific achievement given the sheer quality of competition.