Chapman sets Yankees record with 2 strikeouts, 1 out

Hard-throwing Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman overpowered his way into team history Friday with an unusual strikeout record at the expense of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Chapman entered the ballgame with two outs in the ninth and the Yankees up 4-1, and struck out his first batter, Logan Morrison, who managed to reach base safely after a passed ball by Brian McCann. The Cuban left-hander responded by fanning Desmond Jennings looking to end the game and become the first Yankees pitcher in franchise history with two strikeouts during a one-out appearance.

The dominant cameo improved Chapman's absurd strikeout-to-walk ratio to 11-to-1 over eight frames this season, while maintaining his sparkling 2.25 ERA and minuscule 0.88 WHIP. Chapman, who was suspended for the first 29 games of the season, is a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities.

The Yankees are 12-6 since Chapman was reinstated from the suspended list.