What happened: Justin Verlander sits eighth all-time with 3,554 strikeouts, with Max Scherzer ninth at 3,550. Scherzer recorded seven strikeouts in his latest start to pull within four.
Why it matters: Scherzer joined the 3,500-strikeout club in June as the 11th pitcher to reach the mark. With four separating eighth and ninth, each remaining regular-season start can flip the order.
By the numbers: Verlander 3,554 K; Scherzer 3,550 K; gap 4 strikeouts.
What to watch: Watch their next scheduled starts to see if Scherzer passes Verlander for eighth.