CHICAGO - Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester established a major league record Wednesday night for the longest hitless drought to begin a career.

Lester entered the game against the Washington Nationals tied with the San Diego Padres' Joey Hamilton, who had also gone 57 career at-bats without a hit.

He established the new mark by flying out to deep centre field in the second inning. He was struck out by Nationals ace Max Scherzer in the fourth to extend his career hitless streak to 59 at-bats.