NEW YORK -- There was nothing complicated about Cam Schlittler’s plan on Friday night: Here comes the heat, now try and hit it. For the most part, the Reds couldn’t.
The Yankees right-hander was overpowering, registering a career-high 13 strikeouts over six scoreless innings in the Yankees' 5-0 win over the Reds. Schlittler’s American League-leading ERA dipped to 1.71, solidifying his argument for not only an All-Star nod, but perhaps an assignment to start the game.
At 25 years and 134 days, Schlittler became the youngest player in Yankees history with at least 13 strikeouts and no walks in a game, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs. His 1.71 ERA is the lowest by a Yankees pitcher in his first 16 starts of a season since Whitey Ford in 1964 (1.47).
Schlittler’s 13th strikeout came on a whiff of JJ Bleday in the sixth inning, surpassing the dozen Red Sox he fanned in last year’s Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series.
Generating 18 whiffs on 49 swings, Schlittler leaned heavily on his sinker (41 pitches), four-seamer (32) and cutter (20), also snapping off three curveballs as he scattered four hits. Schlittler walked off to a standing ovation at the conclusion of the sixth inning, holding a 4-0 lead.
After beginning the month by surrendering a season-worst five runs (four earned) to the Guardians on June 2, Schlittler has held opponents to two runs across 18 2/3 innings (0.96 ERA) in his last three outings against the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Reds.