Buehrle sets record for consecutive outs

MINNEAPOLIS, July 28 (UPI) -- Mark Buehrle set a major league record Tuesday with 45 consecutive batters retired before his streak was halted by a walk.

The Chicago White Sox star pitcher, who had a perfect game in his last previous start, retired the first 17 batters Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins before Alexi Casilla took a low 3-2 fastball for a walk with two outs in the sixth inning.

Denard Span followed with a single to center and Joe Mauer hit a tying ground-rule double to left field before Buehrle retired Justin Morneau on a grounder to end the inning.

Buehrle got the last out in his appearance prior to the perfect game against Tampa Bay last Thursday. The previous record was 41 straight batters retired by White Sox closer Bobby Jenks in 2007 and San Francisco's Jim Barr in 1972.