"He’s been lights out this year” - Fans marvel as Yu Darvish becomes first Japanese player to reach 25 consecutive scoreless innings

San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish recorded his 200th career win on Sunday facing off against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. The Padres achieved a 9-1 victory against the Braves on the back of their star pitcher's memorable outing.

Darvish has become the third Japanese-born pitcher after Hiroki Kuroda (203) and Hideo Nomo (201) to achieve such a feat. He has made four scoreless starts with the Padres extending his career-high scoreless inning streak to 25, the most by a Japanese pitcher in MLB history.

Padres fans were overjoyed witnessing Yu Darvish’s stellar performance during the team’s big win.

“He’s been lights out this year… the heart of Mole City,” a fan said.

“That's awesome! Darvish is really in the zone right now. Can't wait to see how long he can keep this,” another fan said.

“Yu(Darvish) never (Dylan)Cease to amaze me, my (Michael) King!!” a Friars fan wrote.

Several other fans admired Darvish for how effortlessly he managed to handle the Atlanta Braves during the game.

“He wiped the Atlanta batters as if it was nothing today!” someone wrote.

“That's impressive! Darvish is really on fire lately,” a comment reads.

“We broke the braves, i’m crying,” another comment reads.

The San Diego Padres’ pitching staff didn’t allow any runs in eight innings. However, in the ninth inning, Stephen Kolek allowed a run to the Braves after Ozzie Albies’ RBI single.

Yu Darvish having difficulty processing the 200-win milestone achievement

Yu Darvish, with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss this season, pitched seven scoreless innings on Sunday. He improved his ERA to 2.08, allowing just two hits, striking nine batters, and walking one.

Talking about his 200th win milestone, Darvish said through an interpreter (via MLB.com):

“I understand it’s a big number, but it’s still hard for me to comprehend it right now... Those two other pitchers, Hideo Nomo and Hiroki Kuroda, obviously we know how good they are. Just to be able to be a little closer to them, I feel honored and it gives me confidence moving forward.”

Yu Darvish is in the second year of his contract with the San Diego Padres. In February 2023, Darvish inked a six-year contract extension worth $108 million with the Padres.