Gerrit Cole Sets MLB Record For Most Strikeouts Without a Walk

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole sets a new MLB record against the Texas Rangers for the most strikeouts without a walk, striking out 61 batters between walks

After allowing a leadoff double in the bottom of the first inning on Monday night, Gerrit Cole buckled down with history on the line. 

Striking out the next three batters he faced, Cole became the first pitcher in baseball history to strikeout 59 batters without issuing a single walk.

The ace went on to register two more strikeouts before walking Texas Rangers slugger Joey Gallo with one out in the third inning. That puts the record at 61 strikeouts, a mark that will certainly be a challenge to beat. 

59 straight Ks without a walk. @GerritCole45 has been as dominant as they come. pic.twitter.com/p4OJCeGBlN

— MLB (@MLB) May 18, 2021

"It's amazing what he's doing, it really is," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after New York's 5-2 loss to Texas. "I try not to take for granted getting to see him go out there every fifth or sixth day and really be on top of his game and throwing the ball the way he is. So, it's a remarkable little stretch. I catch myself every now and then looking up there and seeing that strikeout-to-walk number and it's just a tribute to a great pitcher that's throwing the ball really well."

The record-setting stretch for Cole began way back on April 12, early in his third outing of the season. Cole walked Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to start the second inning, his third walk of the season.

From that point on, Cole locked in on his command. Over his next five starts, including an additional seven punch outs in that game against the Blue Jays, Cole struck out 56 without a single walk.

This makes Gerrit Cole's record even more impressive...

Cole's previous walk was on April 12, missing on the 8th pitch of an at-bat to Toronto's Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

If that walk didn't happen, this record would be 75, dating back to the final batter he faced on Opening Day.

— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) May 18, 2021

The previous record for strikeouts without a walk was also set in 2021. Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes began his season with 58 strikeouts and no walks. That streak came to an end last week for Burnes.

Although Cole was roughed up on Monday night, taking the loss after allowing four runs, he has been excelling in far more than just the strikeout-to-walk department this season. 

Entering play on Monday, the right-hander leads the league in strikeout-to-walk ratio (26.00), walks per nine innings pitched (0.51), he's second in WHIP (0.68) and third in both strikeouts (78) and ERA (1.37). He's also tied for third in wins (five) and ranks fifth in strikeouts per nine (13.33).

"He's the best pitcher in the game," catcher Kyle Higashioka said. "I'm lucky to be able to see him go out there and do his thing almost every time. It's pretty incredible what he does and what he brings to the table. Not many people can strike as many guys out like that without giving up a few walks too."

As impressive as it was, Cole placed more of an emphasis on the score of Monday night's game over his record-breaking stretch.

"Well, it's pretty cool," he said postgame. "I wish it would have come in a win. I'm more focused on the fact that we lost."

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