Cam Schlittler’s first start since the All-Star break did not last very long, as the New York Yankees ace was chased by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y.
Schlittler lasted just 4 1/3 innings in an 8-2 loss to the reigning World Series champions. While he generated 20 whiffs and struck out eight batters with zero walks, the right-hander surrendered three earned runs on six hits. With his pitch count running high, Schlittler was replaced on the bump after his 98th pitch by reliever Tim Hill.
The 25-year-old Schlittler lamented his inability to stretch his stay on the mound a little longer, and seemed to pin New York’s loss on him.
“That’s on me. We know we’ve got a doubleheader. Taxed the bullpen there. Can’t get through five,” Schlittler told reporters after the loss, via SNY Yankees.
“We’ve got nine more. Elmer’s going to have to pick us up and hopefully, give us some good length there and put us in position to win that game.”
The Yankees trailed by just two runs entering the eighth inning, but the floodgates opened as the Dodgers put up five runs in the frame, all charged to Jake Bird.
New York, however, managed to avoid a series sweep, as the Yankees took the finale, 2-1.
Schlittler will look to be better in his next start, which could take place in Friday’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa.
