Reds' Pitcher Chase Burns Remarks on His Spectacular Strikeout in Debut: "It Has to Be Judge"
Lively Debut for Rookie Phenom Chase Burns:
In his debut with the Cincinnati Reds, MLB's top-11 prospect Chase Burns left a lasting impression, striking out the first three hitters he faced, including Aaron Judge. This incredible start was a taste of what's expected to be a flourishing career in Major League Baseball.
Burns, just 22, showed off his extraordinary fastball-slider combination, stumping the Yankees' power-hitters with sheer dominance. However, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft faced some rough patches in the fourth inning, allowing a solo home run to Ben Rice and a two-RBI triple to Anthony Volpe, putting the Reds in a 3-0 hole.
Despite the setbacks, Burns persevered and ended with an impressive eight strikeouts and no walks in five innings of work. After the Reds rallied for a come-from-behind victory, Burns shared with reporters that his favorite strikeout of the evening was none other than Judge himself.
"Gotta be Judge," Burns told media, according to WLWT's Charlie Clifford. Amyging the home crowd, Burns displayed a strong repertoire, even overpowering the powerhouse Yankees lineup.
The Shining Star in Cincinnati's Horizon
If Burns can refine his command with more innings in the big leagues, Reds manager Terry Francona could find himself another formidable pitcher in the near future. While Andrew Abbott has been quietly impressive this season, and Hunter Greene remains a force when healthy, Burns' addition has the potential to elevate the Reds' rotation to unprecedented heights.
Tuesday's game wasn't only about Burns' outstanding performance. A dominant Carlos Rodon left the game after six scoreless innings, paving the way for the Reds. Christian Encarnacion-Strand tied the game with a three-run double in the seventh, and offseason acquisition Gavin Lux delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th to secure a third straight victory for the Reds.
In a riveting contest with its fair share of twists, the Reds (42-38) are now merely two games away from the third National League Wild Card spot. While Burns may lack experience, his stellar debut and impeccable stuff could play a crucial role in propelling this fun team into the playoffs if they are to make a surprising run.
In the near future, if Burns continues to refine his command, he could become another formidable pitcher for the Reds, potentially elevating their rotation to extraordinary heights. The playoffs could be within the Reds' grasp this season, as Burns' exceptional debut and dominant pitching repertoire may play a pivotal role in their potential run.
