Luis Gil stats: Pitcher breaks strikeout record for the New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are enjoying a positive start to the 2024 MLB season and Saturday saw another chapter written into team’s illustrious books by Dominican pitcher Luis Gil.

The 25-year-old took charge of the Yankee’s 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. He recorded a career-best 14 strikeouts, which was enough to break the Yankees’ all-time record.

He pitched six innings to complete his historic 14 strikeouts, beating the tally of 13 set by Orlando ‘El Duque’ Hernández in 1998. On Saturday Gil allowed just one run, one walk and received five hits.

An an incredible moment of foreshadowing, El Duque threw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Yankees - White Sox clash. At least the Yankees legend was in attendance to witness his 26-year record being beaten.

So far in the 2024 regular season Gil has played in nine Games, pitching 49 innings. In those Games he has received 26 hits, 14 runs and three home runs. He has contributed 27 walks and 62 strikeouts to the Yankees’ impressive early season form.

Where are the Yankees in the American League East?

The Yankees continued their fine hitting form on Saturday with a quartet of home runs, Juan Soto (2), José Treviño and Giancarlo Stanton beating the boundary in a comprehensive victory. Designated hitter Stanton also drove in two more runs with a double and Soto sent Jon Berti home in the bottom of the fifth.

“I have a great professor in Gerrit Cole,” Game-winning Gil said of his teaMMAte after the Game. “He’s always around and always giving me pointers.”

Gil added that he was “very happy to meet” Orlando Hernández” after the Game, saying: “For him to be here and connect after the Game - great.”

Saturday’s win takes the Yankees’ record to 32-15, enough to lead the American League. At time of writing their record is slightly better than the Philadelphia Phillies (32-14) at the top of the National League, as Aaron Boone’s team look to capture the World Series title for the first time since 2009.