Fans are in for a brief and exciting matchup on Tuesday night when the New York Yankees’ star (13-6, 3.18 ERA) takes the mound to face Seattle’s Bryan Woo (8-2, 2.38 ERA) in the opener of a three-game series. Remarkably, their last names, totaling just six letters combined, tie a major league record for the shortest surnames in a starting pitcher duel, since Fu-Te Ni never started a game during his time with the Detroit Tigers (2009-2010).
Both pitchers have faced their respective opponents twice before, with neither allowing a run. Gil, making his third start since recovering from a lower back strain, has been in fine form.
After six scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs and a solid five innings against Kansas City, he said, “The more innings I pitched, I felt more comfortable and loose on the mound.” His performance is crucial as the Yankees (87-63) look to fend off Baltimore for the AL East title.
Gil previously shut out Seattle in May with 6 1/3 dominant innings, backed by home runs from Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge.
Although his fastball velocity has dipped slightly, Gil remains confident in his pitch execution. Woo, on the other hand, nearly achieved perfection in his last outing, losing it to a home run by Fernando Tatis Jr. He described his start as unusual, saying, “I didn’t feel great in the bullpen… then it just clicks.”
Woo also showcased new cleats featuring a cartoon of wrestling legend Ric Flair, a gift from Rob Friedman, aka “PitchingNinja,” whose pitching advice Woo highly values. Seattle (77-73), winners of three straight, are chasing Houston and Minnesota for a playoff spot and recently dominated the Texas Rangers in a 7-0 victory. Meanwhile, the Yankees stifled the Red Sox, taking three of four in their series.
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