Max Scherzer tossed a three-hit shutout on Thursday for the first complete game of his career, in his 179th start.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Scherzer went the most starts without a complete game in modern baseball history.

"It's awesome," said Scherzer, who threw 113 pitches. "I finally got the monkey off my back.

"I was finally able to go nine and finish the deal, so it's good feeling."

Scherzer won the 2013 American League Cy Young.