Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the Yankees’ previous struggles against Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski. However, he noted that the team was ready to move on quickly. New York planned to counter Milwaukee with their own pitcher, Cam Schlittler.
Boone anticipated a display of speed from Schlittler against the Brewers. Schlittler’s performance included pitching with an injured leg.
Schlittler’s Injury and Determination
Schlittler spent most of his start pitching in pain after being struck on the back of his left thigh by a 108.5 mph comebacker in the first inning. Despite the visible discomfort, he delivered a strong start.
He completed six scoreless innings, striking out six and allowing two hits. His ERA lowered to 1.35, and he maintained his velocity despite the pain.
Schlittler’s injury occurred when William Contreras hit a liner back to the mound. The ball hit Schlittler in the back of his upper thigh. He absorbed the full impact, and the ball fell directly below him.
Boone and the training staff immediately went to the mound. Schlittler’s initial warmup pitches were high. However, he stayed in the game, striking out Jake Bauers to end the inning.
Pitching Through the Pain
Schlittler moved gingerly throughout the night. He could be seen lightly bouncing on the mound between pitches to stay loose. He fell to the side of the mound twice in the third, and he was slow to get back to his feet each time.
Despite this, Schlittler was still able to routinely hit high 90s with his fastballs. His four-seamer averaged 98.0 mph, up 0.1 mph from his season average. He finished the night throwing 97 pitches, 68 for strikes.
Schlittler assembled his impressive line while at times barely being able to stand.
Schlittler’s ability to pitch through the injury was apparent to everyone at American Family Field.
Schlittler’s Masterful Performance
- Six scoreless innings pitched
- Six strikeouts recorded
- ERA lowered to 1.35
- 98.0 mph average four-seamer fastball speed
Boone admitted that, as difficult as it was watching the Yankees struggle against Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski the previous night, the loss was easy for his club to flush.