Justin Verlander joined MLB’s 3,500 strikeout club, becoming the 10th pitcher to reach the milestone. He pumped a 95 mph fastball to begin the night, then the Nationals exploded for four runs in the second inning as Washington cruised to an 8-0 win at Oracle Park. The moment drew a standing ovation from about 40,000 Giants fans, who still watched Verlander depart after six strikeouts and five runs allowed on 11 hits.

Verlander’s 3,500th is tethered to a storied career that already includes multiple Cy Young awards and a place among the all-time greats; Nolan Ryan remains the Ks king, with Walter Johnson close behind and Verlander now carving out a historic chapter. For fantasy audiences, the night underscored the volatility of the Giants’ offense (three hits) against a Washington squad that piled hits and produced the bulk of the scoring by the middle innings.

With this milestone on display, fantasy managers will weigh Verlander’s durability against age and the Giants’ offensive upside in future matchups. The day’s lopsided result and Verlander’s ascent into the 3,500-strikeout club add a compelling storyline for bettors and managers tracking veteran aces and their twilight performances.