Question: what pitcher holds the record for striking out the most batters in a single game
Answer: MLB pitchers with 18 strikeouts in a nine - inning game Pitcher Date Team Opposing team Score Strikeouts Career Ks Refs Scherzer , Max Max Scherzer 000000002016 - 05 - 11 - 0000 May 11 , 2016 Washington Nationals Detroit Tigers 3 -- 2 20 1,881 Wood , Kerry Kerry Wood 000000001998 - 05 - 06 - 0000 May 6 , 1998 Chicago Cubs Houston Astros 2 -- 0 20 1,582 Clemens , Roger Roger Clemens 000000001996 - 09 - 18 - 0000 September 18 , 1996 Boston Red Sox Detroit Tigers 4 -- 0 20 4,672 Clemens , Roger Roger Clemens 000000001986 - 04 - 29 - 0000 April 29 , 1986 Boston Red Sox Seattle Mariners 3 -- 1 20 4,672 Johnson , Randy Randy Johnson 000000001997 - 08 - 08 - 0000 August 8 , 1997 Seattle Mariners Chicago White Sox 5 -- 0 19 4,875 Johnson , Randy Randy Johnson 000000001997 - 06