CLEVELAND, Ohio – Add another 1 2/3 innings to Cade Smith’s astonishing postseason total as Cleveland’s record-setting rookie reliever reached another milestone in Monday’s loss to Detroit in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field.

Smith, who struck out all four batters in Saturday’s series opener, struck out Tigers infielder Matt Vierling to end the fifth inning and later fanned Wenceel Perez to end the sixth. Smith became the first Cleveland pitcher – starter or reliever – to strike out the first five batters he faced in his postseason career.

Only three other pitchers in major league history have accomplished this feat, including Curt Schilling, who did so in 1993.

Smith also became the second rookie in major league history to face at least four batters and not allow a single baserunner in each of his first two postseason appearances, joining Rafaél Perez from Cleveland in 2007.

Starting pitcher Matthew Boyd said it’s sometimes hard to keep in mind that what you’re seeing from Smith is impressive on multiple levels. From covering multiple innings to posting 100+ strikeouts to limiting lineups to a 0.90 WHIP during the regular season. And all in his first season in the big leagues.

“When you watch how he behaves in everyday life, you’re not surprised,” Boyd said. “He doesn’t act like a newbie. He has a plan. He knows exactly what he expects of himself, both in the clubhouse and on the mound, and he goes about his job like a professional.”

Manager Stephen Vogt said Smith was instrumental in making Cleveland’s bullpen a dominant force all year long.

“He does everything we ask of him, his work ethic is second to none and his performance is great,” Vogt said. “Having a weapon like that is huge.”