Still shy of his 30th career MLB start, Payton Tolle has already put together a performance worthy of harkening back to a Boston Red Sox legend. 

Tolle was at his best on Friday as he earned the win in Boston's dominating 13-1 win over the Athletics. 

Going six innings for the second consecutive start, Tolle made history while setting a new career-high in strikeouts. 

Payton Tolle set a career-high in strikeouts, making Red Sox history 

He sent 14 batters back to the Athletics' dugout, recording the most by any Red Sox pitcher at age 23 or younger since Roger Clemens posted 20 twice in 1986, the franchise's single-game top mark. 

Tolle's 14 even now stands as the third best for any Red Sox pitcher ever, trailing only Clemens' pair of 20 games and Chris Sale's 17 from May 14, 2019.

Before Friday, Tolle also registered one other double-digit strikeout outing in his 2026 opening start against the rival New York Yankees on April 23. 

Tolle has taken a major leap in 2026 compared to how he performed after debuting last season 

Overall on the season, Tolle is 7-6 with a 3.20 ERA, 124 strikeouts and a 1.10 WHIP. He's demonstrated a major leap in his first full campaign after taking the mound seven times last season. 

From his MLB debut on August 29, 2025, Tolle entered 2026 with seven appearances and three starts under his belt. He was 0-1 with a 6.06 ERA and 19 strikeouts in those opportunities.