In what might have been the best start of his career so far, the 28-year-old right-hander hurled a gem against the Tampa Bay Rays. Allowing no runs on five hits and two walks, Schmidt needed only 87 pitches to retire 20 batters, coming just one out shy of going seven full innings. He struck out six batters, lowered his ERA to 2.95, and logged a quality start as the Bronx Bombers rode his arm to a eventual 2-0 shutout win.
"I know I am capable of controlling my pitch count and deeper into games, so this was a big step in the right direction," Schmidt said after the game. "I feel like that is the next puzzle piece in continuing to get better." After allowing a leadoff single to Yandy Diaz, Schmidt retired six in a row. In the third inning, he pitched around a single and stolen base by Jose Caballero by striking out Alex Jackson and Diaz; Schmidt also got an assist from catcher Jose Trevino, who gunned down Caballero at third base to thwart another steal attempt.
The Rays attempted to rally in the fifth inning after two quick outs by stringing together a single, stolen base, and walk. But Schmidt quashed this threat by striking out Jackson to end the frame. Continuing to take advantage of Tampa Bay's aggressive approach at the plate, Schmidt needed just seven pitches to finish the sixth inning for the first time all year; he also chipped in defensively, executing a perfect pickoff to catch Randy Arozarena napping at first base.
"I feel we had a good game plan going into it," Schmidt said. "Even the hits felt like executed pitches. I was in a really good spot mechanically, getting to my lanes and my areas, so I was never really worried when they put some traffic on base.". After delivering such a crucial performance, that confidence is continuing to grow for Schmidt as he evolves into a mainstay in the Yankees' starting rotation.
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