ARLINGTON, Texas — After 25 2/3 innings, Gerrit Cole finally allowed a run ending his scoreless streak this season. However, the Yankees’ ace starter was able to get back on track in time to earn the victory and he remains unbeaten so far.
Gerrit Cole wins the game vs. the Rangers
On Thursday night at Globe Life Field, the Yankees beat the Rangers 4-2 despite the fact that Gerrit Cole allowed two runs in the sixth inning.
“[My confidence] comes from my teammates,” Cole said. “It comes from my preparation. And it comes from just being in a good spot to execute a lot of pitches. Obviously [a three-run lead] allows us to attack the zone. We’ve just played good baseball more often than not. It’s something you feed off of as a pitcher.”
Until the sixth inning, when he allowed two hits and a four-pitch walk to load the bases with no outs, Gerrit Cole had the game under control.
After striking out Adolis Garcia, Gerrit Cole nearly escaped the inning unscathed, but a double play opportunity was lost when he dropped the throw from second to first.
The Rangers tied the game with a feeble attempt, but Gerrit Cole was able to prevent any further damage.
“Even that inning where they scored the couple runs, you see he’s slowing the game down really well,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s staying in control even when things get a little haywire. You get a little unlucky there with the check swing and he doesn’t complete the double play at first and then the dribbler to score another run. He’s not affected by it. It’s on to executing the next thing. I thought he did a really good job of that tonight.”
Yankees injury latest
After consulting team doctor Dr. Chris Ahmad this week, Boone said Lou Trivino would be seeking a second opinion on his injured arm. During spring training, the right-handed reliever damaged his ulnar collateral ligament. He had been making progress in Tampa, but last week he took part in live batting practice and did not come back well.
Boone stated that he did not know “anything definitive” regarding Trivino’s condition, despite the fact that Tommy John surgery is performed if the UCL is torn.
Another right-handed reliever with an injured elbow, Jonathan Loaisiga, said on Thursday that he was experiencing soreness after beginning his throwing routine on Wednesday. Loaisiga did not make an appearance for the Yankees on Thursday while they tried to find out what was going on.
When asked if more testing was planned or if the pain was typical, Boone said that he was unsure.
“I just know he threw [Wednesday], everything went well,” Boone said. “He came in today and he was pretty sore. So we gotta see what we got going.”
Earlier in the week, Boone expressed his optimism that Loaisiga would be able to throw from the mound by the conclusion of this weekend. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be happening any time soon.
On Thursday, Harrison Bader (torn oblique) rested from his rehabilitation. He had started the previous two games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was in the lineup for 7 1/2 innings on Wednesday and 5 1/2 on Tuesday.
The center fielder has struggled in his four return games, going 2-for-12 with two walks and a stolen base.
Since he is expected to need another week of games, he might return for the Yankees’ road series against the Rays on May 5-7.
“It’s more just reps and getting built up,” Boone said. “He had a little bit of the start of spring training, but he’s gotta get some at-bats, one, but also build that physical stamina, be able to go nine innings back-to-back.”
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