CINCINNATI – The realm of Major League Baseball witnessed an extraordinary start on Tuesday night as the Cincinnati Reds’ rookie pitcher, Chase Burns, etched his name in the annals of history with a remarkable debut against the formidable New York Yankees. Burns made an unforgettable first appearance as a starting pitcher, becoming the first in the expansion era to strike out the initial five batters he faced. This astonishing feat marked both a personal and franchise milestone on the Reds’ home turf.
The 22-year-old, who was the second overall draft pick last July, contributed five innings with three runs allowed. However, the night ended triumphantly for the Reds, who secured a 5-4 win in an extended 11-inning clash. Reflecting on his debut, Burns conveyed, “After facing the first batter, I felt more settled, but the excitement was incredible. Witnessing the walk-off victory was the icing on the cake.”
Demonstrating composure and skill, the young right-hander began his major league career with five consecutive strikeouts, a streak only halted by Jazz Chisholm Jr’s single. Burns gave up six total hits and recorded eight strikeouts, joining an elite cohort of Cincinnati starters achieving such a high mark on their debut.
Historical context elevates Burns’ debut further; according to baseball statisticians, only two other debuting pitchers since 1961 have struck out their first six outs, a distinction shared with Al Leiter and Wade Davis. Although they each allowed runs within their initial innings, it’s a testament to Burns’ explosive start.
Reds’ manager Terry Francona lauded Burns’ performance, describing him as composed amidst the fierce competition and highlighting an impressive slider that added to his pitching arsenal’s effectiveness. Burns’ approach remained undeterred even as Ben Rice connected for a long ball and the Yankees scored three times in the fourth inning, with Burns maintaining his competitive edge.
From the catcher’s perspective, Tyler Stephenson noted Burns’ resilience and maturity, emphasizing how Burns continued to press the attack despite giving up a few runs. Burns’ powerful pitching arsenal was evident as he averaged speeds of 98.1 mph with his fastballs, peaking at 100.1 mph twice during the first inning, while also incorporating sliders, changeups, and a rare curveball to keep the Yankees at bay.
The right-hander’s introduction to major league action was fortified by precision, with 53 of his 81 pitches recording as strikes. His opening salvo, a 98.4 mph fastball, set the tone for a dynamic debut. One of his prominent opponents, Aaron Judge, acknowledged Burns’ potential, commenting on the rookie’s aggressive zone attacks and effective pitch control.
In his debut, Burns set a standard with 53 strikes across 81 pitches, engaging hitters with command and notching strikeouts even after finding himself in challenging counts. His transition to the major leagues puts him alongside other quick-moving draft talents, such as Nick Kurtz and Jac Caglianone, showcasing impressive development and expressing confidence in his preparation for this level of competitive sport.
Concluding his exhilarating introduction to the majors, Burns credited advice from his support network, urging him to remain consistent with his successful methods from the minors. With his poised debut, Burns both fulfilled and expanded his early promise, marking the beginning of an exciting journey in the major leagues.