Hitting the Strike Zone

Pedro Martinez’s 1.88 ratio of strikeouts to hits given up this season (143 strikeouts, 76 hits) will be the seventh highest all-time if he maintains it. A look at the best strikeout/hit ratio in a season (minimum 162 innings):

*--*

Pitcher Team Year H SO Ratio Kerry Wood Chicago Cubs 1998 117 233 1.99 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers 1991 102 203 1.99 Nolan Ryan Angels 1972 166 329 1.98 Randy Johnson Seattle Mariners 1997 147 291 1.98 Pedro Martinez Montreal Expos 1997 158 305 1.93 Hideo Nomo Dodgers 1995 124 236 1.90 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers 1989 162 301 1.86 Randy Johnson Seattle Mariners 1995 159 294 1.85 Sam McDowell Cleveland Indians 1965 178 325 1.83 Sandy Koufax Dodgers 1965 216 382 1.77

*--*

Researched by HOUSTON MITCHELL / Los Angeles Times