Gerrit Cole sets yet another impressive strikeout record

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole set a new strikeout record during Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers.

The New York Yankees threw a nine-year, $324 million contract at pitcher Gerrit Cole in 2019 for a reason — and that was to lead their rotation in hopes of helping the team win their 28th World Series title. If the first month-plus of the 2021 season has proven anything, it’s that Cole is simply on another level.

During Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers, Cole struck out the side in the bottom of the first inning. As a result, Cole had accumulated 59 strikeouts since his last walk, a new MLB record.

Gerrit Cole sets new MLB strikeout record on Monday vs. Texas Rangers

Like all good records, they eventually have to reach their end. In the bottom of the third inning, Cole issued a walk to Rangers slugger Joey Gallo to end his strikeout streak without a walk at 61 batters. In fact, this was the first time Cole did so since April 12, when he walked Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lourdes Gurriel.

While Cole did break an MLB record, he did so during a rather uncharacteristically bad outing. Cole was pulled after five innings of work, where he surrendered four earned runs on seven hits, two of which coming on two solo home runs by Adolis Garcia and Willie Calhoun. Cole did issue seven strikeouts and two walks prior to his exit.

Entering Monday’s game, Cole owned a 1.37 ERA and 0.68 WHIP, while striking out 78 batters and walking three through 52.2 innings of work (eight starts).

Cole did make history on Monday night, but will no doubt be more focused on his overall performance in Arlington and how to improve by his next start.