Watch all 20 of Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer's record-breaking strikeouts against the Tigers

Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals became one of only three major league pitchers in history to strike out 20 batters in a nine-inning game, helping his team to a 3-2 victory against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. Scherzer threw 119 pitches, allowed two runs on seven hits, and walked zero batters to get the win.

The accomplishment is just one of many for the right-hander, who won the prestigious Cy Young Award in 2013; Scherzer has also thrown two no-hitters and come within one strike of a perfect game. But this record was personal: Scherzer turned down a $144 million, six-year contract extension with the Detroit two off-seasons ago, instead accepting his current seven-year, $210 million contract with Washington.

"I almost needed the Tigers to come in and get me amped up to get me going," Scherzer said. "And to be able to punch out 20, it's sexy."

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Watch the sexy in action, below. Jeva Lange