Cam Schlittler delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, striking out 13 batters over six overpowering innings as the New York Yankees secured a 5-0 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. This marked Schlittler's first double-digit strikeout game in the regular season, improving his record to 8-3.
Offensive contributions for the Yankees included a solo home run from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and a three-run shot by Ben Rice in the second inning. These early runs were scored against Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder, whose record fell to 3-4. Anthony Volpe later added an RBI single, extending the Yankees' lead.
Pitching Dominance
Schlittler demonstrated exceptional control and velocity throughout his outing. He threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of 23 hitters faced, utilizing his four-seam fastball, which averaged 97.9 mph, to secure five strikeouts. Additionally, he recorded four strikeouts each with his cutters and sinkers, showcasing a diverse pitching arsenal.
His performance surpassed his previous career high of 12 strikeouts, achieved over eight innings in the deciding Game 3 of last year’s AL Wild Card Series against rival Boston. Schlittler, at 25 years and 134 days old, became the youngest Yankees pitcher to record 13 strikeouts since Al Downing, who was 22 years and 359 days old when he achieved the same feat against the Chicago White Sox on the 62nd anniversary of this date, June 21, 1964.
Schlittler also distinguished himself as the youngest Yankees pitcher to strike out 13 batters without issuing a single walk. He threw 66 of his 96 pitches for strikes, reaching his tenth strikeout when Eugenio Suárez swung at a 99.1 mph sinker to conclude the fourth inning. He followed this by catching Matt McLain looking at a 100 mph fastball in the fifth and secured his final strikeout with a 98 mph fastball against JJ Bleday in the sixth.
Game Outcome and Team Context
After allowing only four hits and stranding two runners in the sixth inning, Schlittler exited the game to a standing ovation. He concluded his outing with a 1.71 ERA, marking the lowest ERA for a Yankees pitcher through 16 starts in a season since Whitey Ford posted a 1.47 ERA in 1964. Three relievers then completed a four-hitter, contributing to the Reds striking out a total of 17 times.
The Cincinnati Reds' loss marked their 11th defeat in 16 games since Elly De La Cruz was sidelined with a strained right hamstring. De La Cruz recently hit a 441-foot home run in his first minor league rehab game for Triple-A Louisville. Rhett Lowder, the Reds' starting pitcher, allowed four runs and six hits over 5 1/3 innings. The upcoming game on Saturday afternoon was scheduled to feature Cincinnati LHP Andrew Abbott (4-4, 3.95 ERA) facing New York RHP Will Warren (7-1, 3.47).