NEW YORK – Cuban Aroldis Chapman found extra speed in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game, throwing 103.4 mph and sending athlete Matt Chapman to the final The Yankees won 7-5. This is the fastest record in the majors this year.
“Chapman is playing well today,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “Credit them for making good changes, but how nice to see ‘Chappy’ rediscover his form.”
Boone had to watch the last outs from a television after being sent off for arguing balls and strikes, after Cuban gave Mark Cunha a walk.
Jet Lori then missed a flying ball, but Matt Olsson hit a single in the fourth, while Ramon Larano hit a run into the back of the net. Chapman, who was already homegrown in the game, arrived.
Chapman hit a fastball blank swing at 101.1 mph, then let another go 100.8 at the second strike.
“It simply came to our notice then. This will never be an easy twist, ”admitted Elvis Andres of Venezuela. “The ball is coming fast, so it’s very hard to play well.”
The 103.4-mile fastball for strike three has been Cuba’s fastest pitch since July 2, 2018, and Jordan Hicks has completed a strikeout in the majors since throwing at 104.2 mph on April 21, 2019.
Chapman’s fastest pitch after the 2017 wild card game, he outscored Jorge Bolanco with a speed of 103.7 mph.
