The Yankees’ victory over the Rays on Wednesday night went off without a hitch. Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in order in the ninth inning to secure a 1–0 win.
Cole was outstanding, allowing just four hits and striking out a whopping 12 batters. A dozen strikeouts were induced by some absolutely obnoxious pitches. With 99 mph gas, he blew by hitters and painted the black with some wicked paint.
He'll take a dozen of 'em. @GerritCole45 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hDMMpTZmzf
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 13, 2021
Cole hasn’t walked a batter since April 12, when he faced the Blue Jays. Cole made his third start of the season on Wednesday, striking out at least 12 batters and allowing no runs or walks. And he’s only played in eight games!
Cole is now tied for the most 12-strikeout, no-run, no-walk games in a season with Sandy Koufax and Pedro Martnez.
MLB Most Games in Season with
12+ Strikeouts, 0 Runs, 0 Walks3 Gerrit Cole 2021 Yankees
3 Pedro Martinez 2000 Red Sox
3 Sandy Koufax 1965 Dodgers— James Smyth (@JamesSmyth621) May 13, 2021
This season, Cole’s command has been insane. He has struck out 53 batters since his last walk to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. leading off the second inning on April 12. Only Curt Schilling has struck out as many batters in a row without issuing a walk since the mound was pushed back from 50′ to its new 60′ 6″ in 1893.
Cole has 78 strikeouts this season, which isn’t the most in the majors. Shane Bieber, the reigning Cy Young Award recipient, leads the league with 85. However, compared to Bieber’s 18, Cole has just three walks this season (two on Opening Day and one on April 12). Bieber’s strikeout-to-walk ratio is 4.72, which is very good. Cole’s is a whopping 26.0. Yankees boss Aaron Boone said, “He’s an ace.”