Gerrit Cole is Going Scorched Earth This Postseason and Every Contender Left Must Take Notice

The Houston Astros advance to the American League Championship Series to face off against the New York Yankees after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 on Thursday night.

Luckily for the Astros, and to the dismay of everyone else, Gerrit Cole took the mound in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Rays, and the remaining teams in the postseason should be concerned.

On Thursday night, Cole went a full eight innings, in which he struck out ten batters and allowing just one run on two hits. As a result, the AL Cy Young contender's postseason ERA sits a ridiculous 0.57.

Cole has now recorded ten-or-more strikeouts in his last 11 starts after his gem against Tampa. In fact, that is now an MLB record. The last time Cole struck out less than ten batters? Aug. 1. That's over two months ago.

Considering Cole pitched in Game 5 of the ALDS, he likely won't take the field until Game 3, which would occur this upcoming Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. While the New York Yankees boast an overpowered batting lineup, Cole could be their kryptonite.

The Yankees will have an up close and personal view of Gerrit Cole, while the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals watch on.