Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler saw his scoreless-innings streak come to an end during a 5-3 victory over the Athletics at Yankee Stadium on April 8.
The game was played in cold conditions, with temperatures at 43 degrees at gametime. Despite the weather, Schlittler said he managed well. “It was cold, but I handled it pretty well. It was better than last week [during his April 1 start vs. the Mariners],” he said.
Schlittler began the game strong by pitching two scoreless innings and striking out three batters. However, in the third inning, with runners on second and third and one out while New York led 1-0, Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz hit a double to right-center field off a 2-2 four-seam fastball. The hit scored Max Muncy and Jeff McNeil, ending Schlittler’s scoreless streak at 21 innings dating back to last season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone commented on Schlittler’s performance: “I thought Cam was good. Not quite as dominant as his first two [outings]. Not quite as sharp command-wise. But he still didn’t have any walks. You think he is going to roll out there for seven innings, throw 75 pitches and strike everyone out. He realized it’s not that easy.” Two batters after Kurtz’s double, Tyler Soderstrom doubled down the right-field line to make it a 3-1 game.
Schlittler finished his outing after five innings pitched, allowing three runs and striking out seven batters without issuing any walks or receiving his first loss of the season. Amed Rosario contributed significantly for New York by hitting two home runs, including one that fueled an eighth-inning rally.
