Yankees’ vigorous vets: Stanton’s 10th 25-HR feat, Torres’ 3-hit night, Cole’s ace flavor

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Giancarlo Stanton reached a career milestone in the Yankees’ 8-4 win over the Texas Rangers on Monday night, launching his 25th home run of the season. This marks the 10th time in Stanton’s career that he’s hit 25 or more homers, making him the only active player to achieve the feat.

Stanton’s solo shot, a 418-foot drive to center with an exit velocity of 112.4 mph, extended the Yankees’ lead to 8-3 in the eighth inning. After the game, Stanton expressed pride in the team’s collective effort, saying “When we’re all clicking like that, it’s fun to watch.”

Gerrit Cole, who pitched six solid innings and struck out nine before leaving with right calf cramps, praised Stanton’s career consistency, calling him one of the premier power hitters of his generation.

“Remarkably consistent his entire career. … Probably one of the best sluggers of my generation, for sure,” the pitcher said.

Stanton’s recent surge has been a bright spot, as he homered in his first two games of September and drove in five runs over his last three games. With 25 home runs and 62 RBIs this season, the Yankees slugger has already eclipsed his 2023 totals, and his slash line has improved to .244/.303/.503 across 383 plate appearances.

While Stanton acknowledged the personal significance of the milestone, he emphasized that the Yankees’ success was his main priority. He expressed gratitude for adding to his career achievements but stressed that his focus remains on contributing to wins as the season progresses.

“It’s pretty cool. You know, something to add to whatever I can come up with in this career, but you know as long it helps us win, that’s what’s most important right now,” the Yankees hardest hitter said.

Torres rebounds to boost Yankees

Gleyber Torres shined in the Yankees’ 8-4 win over the Rangers, playing a pivotal role both at the plate and in the field. Torres delivered three hits and two RBIs, capping his night with a game-ending defensive gem—a diving, backhanded stop behind second base that thwarted a late Rangers rally.

Torres extended his hitting streak to four games, recording his first three-hit performance since July 26 against the Red Sox. His offensive output was a key factor in supporting Yankees’ starter Gerrit Cole’s strong outing.

In the third inning, Torres put the Yankees on the board with a two-run double off Jack Leiter, son of former Yankee Al Leiter. He also sparked a five-run rally in the sixth with an infield single, showcasing his consistent bat.

Torres has been on a tear, hitting safely in 26 of his last 27 games, including his last 16 as the Yankees‘ leadoff hitter. His 3-for-5 night and two RBIs underscored his recent surge.

Reflecting on his season, Torres emphasized his focus on finishing strong and contributing to the team’s success rather than dwelling on early struggles. He, who was ripped for wrong reasons most of the season, highlighted his commitment to doing the “little things” and playing team-oriented baseball, stressing that at this point in the season, winning games is more important than personal stats.

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” the Yankees’ second baseman said. “I get an opportunity to play every day and do the right thing for the team. Do the little things, pass the baton. Especially this month, it’s not about numbers, it’s about the team. Just win the game.”

Yankees taste Cole’s ace flavor

Gerrit Cole delivered a solid six innings for the Yankees on Monday night, displaying the dominance the team needs as they gear up for the postseason. However, his outing was cut short by a minor injury scare.

Cole began feeling cramping in his right calf during warmup pitches before the seventh inning, prompting him to stop. Despite efforts to stretch out the muscle, the Yankees ace was unable to continue. After a brief discussion with the trainer and manager Aaron Boone, he left the game with the Yankees up 7-1.

The Yankees later confirmed that the issue was limited to cramping, easing concerns about a more serious injury. Cole, who is set for reevaluation on Tuesday, downplayed the severity of the situation, noting that the cramp affected him only during his pitching motion and didn’t hinder his ability to walk normally.

This incident follows a season in which Cole, soon to turn 34, started the year on the 60-day injured list with elbow issues. The Yankees star made his season debut on June 19.

Despite his early exit, Cole’s performance played a key role in the Yankees’ 8-4 win over the Rangers at Globe Life Field. The victory, just their second in the past six games, helped New York maintain a slim half-game lead over Baltimore in the AL East.

Cole has been in stellar form recently, posting a 1.85 ERA over his last six starts, each of which saw him allow three runs or fewer. Assuming no setbacks, the Yankees ace is expected to take the mound again this weekend against the Cubs.

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