DeGrom's 2,000th Strikeout Lifts Rangers to 2-0 Win vs Nationals

Jacob deGrom achieved a major career milestone on Thursday night, recording his 2,000th strikeout while pitching six one-hit innings to lead the Texas Rangers to a 2-0 victory over the Washington Nationals. The game took place on August 20, 2026, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The 38-year-old right-hander reached the landmark by fanning the first two batters of the game, Abimelec Ortiz and Daylen Lile. He allowed only a one-out single to Brady House in the second inning and issued one walk, tying his season high with 10 strikeouts. Three relievers completed the combined one-hitter, with Jacob Latz pitching the ninth inning to secure his 25th save. The victory clinched the three-game series for the Rangers, who won two of three matchups. Each game in the series ended in a shutout. Texas took the opener 5-0 on Tuesday before Washington responded with a 6-0 win on Wednesday. The Rangers' offense provided just enough support, with Corey Seager hitting a solo home run in the third inning and Ezequiel Duran adding a triple in the eighth that led to the second run on a sacrifice fly by Nicky Lopez. DeGrom's 2,000 strikeouts place him in elite company.