The Yankees secured their 10th win in 11 games after a 3-2 victory over the Rangers at Globe Life Field. Cam Schlittler outdueled Jacob deGrom, continuing a stellar opening to his season. Aaron Judge said that Schlittler “shows that he’s got ice in his veins.”
Schlittler’s Dominance on the Mound
Schlittler lowered his ERA to 1.51 through seven starts. This is the fourth-best mark in the Majors. Schlittler’s eight strikeouts matched his season high. Yanks reliever Fernando Cruz described Schlittler as a “superstar”.
Cruz added, “What he’s doing is really impressive — throwing three pitches at one speed, but they’re going different directions. It’s something you don’t see too often in baseball. Right now, he’s one of the best to step on the field.”
Schlittler acknowledged the significance of facing deGrom, saying, “He’s an elite guy, so it was really cool to go up against him. He’s one of the best pitchers of the last 10 years. He’s a fun guy to watch. It was a really cool experience to go up against him.”
Key Offensive Plays
Cody Bellinger doubled home Judge in the first. This was the only run the Yanks managed off deGrom. DeGrom also completed six innings.
Austin Wells added a seventh-inning homer off Jalen Beeks. This was Wells’ third home run of the season. Judge provided crucial ninth-inning insurance by blasting a solo shot to the second deck in left field. He now claims a share of the Major League lead with his 12th homer of the year.
Navigating Trouble
Schlittler faced his biggest challenge in the sixth inning. Brandon Nimmo singled to lead off, and Schlittler walked Josh Jung. This was the first four-pitch walk he’s allowed this year.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone sent pitching coach Matt Blake to the mound to offer Schlittler a breather. Boone said, “As long as he’s not struggling or it’s a night where he’s particularly fatigued, there’s no one I’d rather have out there in that spot.” Schlittler then struck out Corey Seager and got Joc Pederson to pop out.
Judge’s Perspective on Schlittler
Aaron Judge’s initial impressions of Schlittler were of a quiet individual. He seemed inclined to keep to himself. Judge has since learned that there’s much more to Schlittler. What Judge initially clocked as shyness has revealed itself as intensity. Judge said Schlittler shows up every five days with a trio of fastballs that crackle in the upper 90s.
Schlittler exited snarling about what he felt could have been better, despite his strong performance and the team’s win.