Jimmy Rollins' hitting streak reached 36 games Sunday when he singled off Washington's Hector Carrasco, giving him sole possession of the ninth-longest hitting streak in Major League history.

The streak will remain active for next season, and Rollins will need a hit in 21 more games to pass Joe DiMaggio's record set in 1941. Pending no rainouts and no games sat out, that game would be April 26 at home against the Rockies.

If Rollins does it, he would be recognized as the holder of the all-time leader, though DiMaggio would retain the single-season mark, unless Rollins were to keep it going.

"I'm not worried about next year right now," Rollins said. "I'm worried about getting my garage clean."

The switch-hitting shortstop hit .385 during the streak entering the at-bat. Rollins' mark is the longest in baseball since Paul Molitor hit in 39 straight games in 1989. The next longest streak is Tommy Holmes, who hit in 37 games in 1945.

Pete Rose holds the National League record with a 44-gamer in 1978.

"You could write a story about him every day," manager Charlie Manuel said recently. "You probably should."

"It was great to watch Jimmy's hit streak," said Mike Lieberthal.

The results thus far from Rollins' streak are as follows: 19 doubles, four triples, four homers, 22 RBIs, 107 total bases, 17 walks and 15 stolen bases. Of his streak-extending hits, he smacked 22 singles, 10 doubles, one triple and three homers.

"I expected him to keep it up," said Ryan Howard. "It was fun to see it unfold like that."

Rollins considered himself lucky that he didn't have time to ponder the magnitude of hitting in 36 straight games, thanks to a fierce pennant race.

"I had no time to think about it," he said. "I was still hoping that [the line drive by the Cubs' Jose Macias] was two inches over [the Astros' Eric Bruntlett's] glove. Maybe later I'll appreciate it. It's too early now."