Key facts
- Cam Schlittler struck out 13 batters in six innings during the Yankees' 5-0 victory over the Reds.
- NBA player Josh Hart publicly praised Schlittler's performance on social media.
- Schlittler's 13 strikeouts were a career-high for the pitcher.
- Schlittler's 1.71 ERA is the lowest for a Yankees pitcher through 16 starts since 1964.
Cam Schlittler delivered a dominant performance for the New York Yankees on Friday night, striking out a career-high 13 batters in six innings to lead his team to a 5-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Schlittler, who is 8-3 on the season, showcased his high-velocity fastball, throwing 97.9 mph on average, along with cutters and sinkers. He threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the 23 batters he faced, bouncing back after three consecutive winless starts.
His performance drew praise from various figures, including NBA champion Josh Hart, who posted on social media that Schlittler is "the Cy Young winner hands down." Schlittler acknowledged the support, expressing excitement for Hart and the city of New York's recent NBA championship.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., the Yankees' second baseman, described Schlittler's pitching as "crazy nasty." Schlittler's outing also made him the youngest Yankees pitcher to record 13 strikeouts since Al Downing in 1964, and the youngest to do so without issuing a walk. He threw 66 of his 96 pitches for strikes.
Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged Schlittler's impressive arsenal, noting his fastballs with cutting and sinking movement. Schlittler's final strikeout came against JJ Bleday with a 98 mph fastball. He allowed four hits before exiting to a standing ovation.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone lauded Schlittler's "electric" stuff and control, suggesting he was dominating the game. Boone also noted Schlittler's 1.71 ERA, the lowest for a Yankees pitcher through 16 starts since Whitey Ford in 1964. With Gerrit Cole back and Max Fried still sidelined, Schlittler has become a key figure in the Yankees' rotation, with Boone even making a case for him being the best pitcher in the American League so far.