June 30, 2004

PHOENIX -- Former Trojan and current Arizona Diamondback pitcher Randy Johnson (1983-85) became the fourth player in Major League Baseball history to record 4,000 career strikeouts in last night's loss at home against the San Diego Padres. Ironically, Johnson struck out a fellow Trojan, Padres' third baseman Jeff Cirillo (1989-91), to reach the milestone.

Johnson was the quickest pitcher to reach 4,000 strikeouts in terms of innings pitched (3,237 1/3) compared to the previous three players: Nolan Ryan (3,844 2/3), Roger Clemens (4,151) and Steve Carlton (4,991 1/3).

This season, Johnson, 40, is 9-6 with a 3.04 ERA and 129 strikeouts. He became the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game when he did so earlier this season at Atlanta.