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New York Yankees: Gerrit Cole on record setting pace

By David Hill

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 12: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 12, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 12: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 12, 2021 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Gerrit Cole has been the one constant for the New York Yankees in their rotation this season. No matter what questions may surround their other arms, Cole has been utterly dominant this year, shutting down virtually everyone he has faced.

His impressive season only got better on Wednesday. He fired eight shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out 12 batters in a 1-0 victory over the Rays.

Gerrit Cole on record setting pace with New York Yankees

That impressive outing only furthered what has been an amazing year for Cole. He now sports a 1.37 ERA and a 0.684 WHiP in his 52.2 innings, striking out 78 batters with only three walks. Even though offensive has been down across the majors this season, this is a transcendent start to the year.

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Cole is also in the midst of what could be a record breaking performance. With his dominant showing on Wednesday night, Cole now sports a 26:1 strikeout to walk rate, shattering the current record. Phil Hughes had set the mark with an 11:1 K/BB rate back in 2016, a number that pales in comparison to Cole’s. Additionally, Cole has struck out 56 batters since he last allowed a walk, a statistic that is absolutely incredible.

It is not hyperbole to say that Cole has been the difference maker for the Yankees this season. Even when the Yankees were sitting at 5-10 after 15 games, and seemingly dead in the water, Cole was a promise that things would be better for at least one turn through the rotation. As the Yankees have snapped out of their doldrums, and are nipping at the Red Sox’s heels for the division lead, Cole has helped jumpstart that revival.

Obviously, that command will not last forever. Cole will eventually have an outing where the walks come and he is fighting himself on the mound. It happens to the best of pitchers at some point. But even when those outings happen, Cole will give the Yankees a chance to win, which is all anyone can ask for.

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Gerrit Cole is in the midst of what could be a record setting season. The New York Yankees are hoping that he continues to dominate as he has been.

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