Yankees' Cole breaks Burnes' record for consecutive strikeouts without walk

It took Gerrit Cole four days to beat Corbin Burnes' record.

The New York Yankees ace established a new major-league record in the first inning of Monday's game against the Texas Rangers by recording his 59th consecutive strikeout since his last walk.

That's the longest such single-season streak since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com.

Cole set the mark in the first inning with three consecutive strikeouts after issuing a leadoff single. Joey Gallo was the milestone victim.

The hurler struck out another two batters before Gallo finally ended his streak with a third-inning walk. The new record now stands at 61 consecutive strikeouts without a base on balls issued.

Burnes, the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander, had set the record during his most recent start last week. His 58 straight strikeouts without issuing a walk remains the best run to start a season.

Cole entered Monday's start sporting a 1.37 ERA and 0.68 WHIP while averaging 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Prior to facing the Rangers, the 30-year-old had allowed just three walks.