Smith proves pitching better than his math

Earlier this year, Caleb Smith was a bit ambitious with his wishes for how the season would unfold. While it didn't play out the way he dreamed, there's still a lot for him to be pleased with.

The Yankees prospect recorded a season-high 11 strikeouts over six innings Friday night as Double-A Trenton blanked visiting Richmond, 6-0.

Smith (9-6) limited the Flying Squirrels to four hits -- all singles -- and one walk in his 22nd start for the Thunder. His control was on all night as he threw 75 of 104 pitches for strikes.

"I was just filling up the strike zone. I think that was the main key, throwing strikes," Smith said. "I kind of mixed everything in there -- fastball, curveball, slider and changeup. All were working well tonight. I don't think there was one particular pitch I went to."

The 24-year-old left-hander ended his night by striking out the side in the sixth on 18 pitches, an exhilarating feeling.

"It's an awesome feeling," Smith said. "I don't think there's any ... "

Smith picked up his first Eastern League win since July 13 while falling two short of the career high for strikeouts he established on April 24, 2014 while with Class A Charleston.

"It feels good," the 2013 14th-rounder said. "It's been a little while since I've had a win, but that's how it goes sometimes. You have to go up there and pitch your game."

After tossing a career-high 6 2/3 scoreless innings at Binghamton on June 4, Smith said, "I just want to ... get my ERA down quite a lot. A sub-1.00 ERA would be nice." While his ERA stands at 3.42, he said he's happy with how far he's come, considering it was over 5.00 entering June.

"I'm really happy with how far I've come this season," he added. "It was a pretty rocky start and I was kind of beating myself up."

Conor Mullee fanned three over two perfect innings and Alex Smith struck out one in a hitless ninth to close out Trenton's 12th shutout of the season.

Rob Segedin smacked two hits and collected three RBIs, while Tony Renda scored twice for the Thunder.

Giants No. 29 prospect Chase Johnson struck out nine over in his Double-A debut for the Flying Squirrels, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks.