Yankees 8-4 Rangers: Gerrit exits early, New York persists to secure win

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole throws to the Texas Rangers in the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.
AP Photo/Albert Pena
John Allen
Tuesday September 3, 2024

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New York Yankees 8-4 Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas — Giancarlo Stanton marked another milestone in his remarkable career, hitting 25 home runs for the tenth time. Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole delivered an outstanding performance with nine strikeouts but had to leave the game early due to a right calf strain. Despite this setback, the Yankees secured a strong 8-4 victory over the Rangers.

Gleyber Torres fueled the Yankees’ offense with three hits, including a crucial two-run double in the third inning that gave the AL-leading team a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Anthony Rizzo added to the Yankees’ momentum with a two-run double in the fifth, following Aaron Judge’s double, which solidified Judge’s position as the MLB RBI leader with 124.

Yankees ace and reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole felt discomfort during his final warmup pitch before the seventh inning. Despite trying to stretch out his right leg, Cole ultimately signaled for help from the bench. Manager Aaron Boone and the team’s sports medicine director quickly came to his aid.

Yankees Ace Cole Shines in Victory

Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace, delivered a standout performance, propelling the team to a crucial win. Despite a delayed start to the season due to a throwing elbow injury, Cole has been a dominant force on the mound.

Giancarlo Stanton, the reigning home run king, continued his power surge with a solo shot in the eighth inning. By reaching 25 home runs in 10 different seasons, Stanton has further cemented his place among the game’s elite sluggers.

Despite a recent slump, the Yankees maintained their narrow lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East standings. Their victory was highlighted by a defensive gem from Gleyber Torres, who made a diving stop to halt a potential Rangers rally.

The Yankees’ young talent also contributed significantly to the win, with Anthony Volpe and Alex Verdugo delivering clutch hits. Rookie right-hander Jack Leiter showed promise by striking out Aaron Judge with a well-placed curveball.

Yankees’ Young Talent Struggles Against Rangers

Yankees pitching prospect Jack Leiter faced a challenging outing against the Texas Rangers. Despite his impressive high school accolades and first-round draft status, Leiter struggled to keep the Rangers’ offense in check.

Leiter exited the game after giving up a key RBI double to Aaron Judge, which extended the Yankees’ lead to 3-1. His performance was marred by five runs allowed and issues with command.

The game featured an intriguing storyline with Leiter and Anthony Volpe, former high school teammates and first-round draft picks, both playing. While both have shown promise in their careers, Leiter’s struggles against the Rangers underscored the difficulties of transitioning from amateur to professional baseball.

Leiter’s family ties to the Yankees added another layer of interest to his appearance. His father, Al Leiter, pitched for the Yankees for several seasons, and his cousin, Mark Leiter Jr., is currently a reliever for the team.

Despite the Yankees’ early lead, the Rangers mounted a comeback. Luke Weaver, who took over for Gerrit Cole, allowed a home run to Wyatt Langford, narrowing the Yankees’ lead to 7-3. The Rangers continued to fight back, with Josh Smith’s two-out double in the third inning driving in another run.

The Yankees Roster

Up Next

The series resumes Tuesday night with a battle of left-handers. Yankees ace Carlos Rodón will face off against Andrew Heaney of the Rangers. Heaney has been in top form, allowing only one run over his last two starts.

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