The Big Train gives up First Earned Run in 55 Innings

May 14, 1913 – Washington Senators’ Walter Johnson streak of consecutive shutout innings pitched ended at 55 2/3 innings. The Senators star pitcher gave up a run against the St. Louis Browns in the 4th inning of the game that was played at Sportsman’s Park. Johnson improved his record to 8-0 as the Senators outscored the Browns 10-5.

The Big Trains streak 55 2/3 scoreless innings surpassed the Philadelphia Athletics’ Jack Coombs record of 53 of scoreless innings that he achieved in 1910. It would take 55 years before Johnson’s streak was broken by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Don Drysdale. From May 15, 1968 to June 8, 1968 Drysdale pitched 58 scoreless innings.

Twenty years later the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser surpassed Drysdale record as Hershire pitched 59 shutout innings before giving up a run.

Walter Johnson‘s streak of 55 2/3 innings of scoreless innings is still an American League record. For Johnson the streak was just the start of the best season ever pitched by a player. Below are some of Walter Johnson‘s achievements during the 1913 season.

Wins: 36*

Complete Games: 29*

ERA: 1.14*

Shutouts: 11*

Winning Percentage: .837*

Strikeouts: 243*

*Led the Major League

Awards and Honors

1913 AL MVP

1913 Chalmers Award

1913 AL Triple Crown