Cole’s Classic Style has Returned! Ace K’s 9 in the Finale
Gerrit Cole felt like he could exhale in the Yankees’ postgame celebration.
Cole recovered from the shortest start of his career, Anthony Rizzo led a long-awaited outburst from New York’s lineup, and the Yankees pounded the Cleveland Guardians 10-2 on Sunday.
Cole (1-0) struck out nine batters in six and third scoreless innings, and Rizzo’s two-run homer in the first tied him for the AL lead with five homers. New York won for the fifth time in six games, improving to 10-6.
Before taking a day off, the Yankees turned on the fog machine, blasted loud music, and celebrated in the clubhouse.
During the lineup introductions, Straw received the loudest boos, when he and Andres Gimenez miscommunicated on Hicks’ bases-loaded popup during New York’s three-run third inning.
Mercado misjudged DJ LeMahieu‘s line drive in the second inning, allowing it to go for an RBI double that delighted fans.
As New York’s slumping offense had its best day of the season, LeMahieu had three hits and three RBIs, and pinch-hitter Tim Locastro added a two-run drive in the eighth.
Cole’s previous start against Detroit lasted only 1 2/3 innings, and he walked five batters, tying his career high. He entered the day with a 6.35 ERA in three starts.
Cole limited the Guardians to a walk and four hits in his first appearance with backup catcher Jose Trevino. After 92 pitches, he received a standing ovation.
UP NEXT
The Yankees begin a six-game homestand Tuesday against Orioles RHP Jordan Lyles (1-0, 2.08). (1-1, 3.52).
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