(AUDACY) If you like pitching duels, you certainly would've loved the Yankees' 2-1 win against the White Sox on Friday night.
White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon tossed seven shutout innings and struck out a career-high 13 batters without allowing a walk. Meanwhile, Yankees left-hander Jordan Montgomery also tossed seven innings with a career-high 11 strikeouts and no walks. Together, it marked the first time in the modern MLB era in which both starting pitchers had 10-plus strikeouts while allowing no walks and no runs.
It was also the latest instance of MLB’s pitchers continuing to dominate lineups as many around the game are asking why offensive production is down so much this year.
The MLB batting average has dropped to record lows, while no-hitters have spiked, with six being thrown in the first seven weeks of the season. The record in a season is seven no-hitters.
Some have pointed to the power-or-bust approach at the plate by most hitters, while others have suggested the pitching is too good and has never been better. There was in-depth reporting that emerged Friday that some players are concerned pitchers are using illegal substances to gain an advantage.
Whatever it may be, performances like this White Sox-Yankees game are only going to leave fans asking more questions about where the heck is all the offense?
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