Cam Schlittler just snagged the major league ERA lead, absolutely dominating on Sunday as the New York Yankees grabbed a crucial 2-0 win over the Mets. This isn’t just a regular season W, folks, this victory pushed the Yanks closer to what would be a record 61st postseason berth. The pressure is on, and Schlittler stepped up big time.
Schlittler’s Arm Is Pure Fire
What a performance from Schlittler, who moved to 14-6 on the season. He carved up the Mets for six innings, giving up only one hit. This was his 21st start this year where he allowed one run or none. Think about that for a second. The only other pitcher 25 or younger to do that more in the last 110 years was Dean Chance with 22 back in ’64. That’s some serious company! His 1.945 ERA now sits just below Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski’s 1.952. Schlittler struck out eight and walked two, and his fastball was practically unhittable, with Toronto batters going 0 for 11 against it. He was cooking.
He kept the Mets hitless for 4 2/3 innings before Brett Baty finally snuck a double off the right field wall. Then, talk about grit: on his 94th pitch, a blistering 111.5 mph comebacker from Bo Bichette drilled him in the back of his right hamstring. The ball deflected to Austin Wells for the out, and Schlittler walked straight off the field to the clubhouse. He left Francisco Lindor swinging at high fastballs twice and had Juan Soto standing with his hands on his hips after a 98 mph fastball for a check swing strikeout. That’s taking care of business.
Yanks Cling On While Mets Get Shut Down
While Schlittler was doing his thing, the Yankees’ bats provided just enough pop. Ben Rice crushed his 38th home run, and Austin Wells ended a rough 0-for-20 slump by launching a third-inning homer into the right field second deck off Christian Scott. Aaron Judge, however, had a tough day at the plate, striking out three times and is now just 3 for 17 since returning from a broken rib on Tuesday.
The Yankees now stand at 86-63, leading the AL wild-card race, but still trailing Tampa Bay by four games in the AL East. They took two out of three in the Subway Series, and Sunday’s win put them in position to clinch their ninth postseason berth in 10 seasons depending on other games. Brent Headrick (76th appearance), Paul Blackburn, and David Bednar (34th save in 37 chances) locked down the 14th shutout of the year for the Yankees. The Mets, who cranked out six homers just a day earlier, were absolutely blanked for their 14th shutout loss. They’ve been a decent 22-14 since the August 3 trade deadline, but Sunday wasn’t their day.
What’s next? The Mets will look to rebound on Monday with RHP Jonah Tong (2-1, 4.80 ERA) facing Baltimore RHP Brandon Young (9-4, 3.71) in Pete Alonso’s anticipated return to Queens. Meanwhile, the Yankees kick off a three-game set in Minnesota with RHP Will Warren (10-6, 4.05) on the mound against RHP Dean Kremer (3-5, 5.65). Every game is a battle as the regular season winds down, and the Yanks are feeling the heat to lock down that postseason spot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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