New York Yankees' Cole Dominates Mariners
Although the New York Yankees' lineup continued to struggle, it didn’t matter this time because Gerrit Cole was on the hill.
The right-hander was absolutely sensational, going 7.1 innings and throwing 105 pitches. He allowed only four hits and one run, walking only one batter while striking out eight. Cole concluded his night with five consecutive punch outs before receiving a loud ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd. The Yankees won, 3-1, and Cole improved his record to an impressive 8-1 mark.
Cole got into trouble in the second inning, allowing a one-out walk to Jarred Kelenic followed by a bloop single to Eugenio Suarez to put runners on first and second. But Cole got Cal Raleigh to fly out to left, and struck out former Yankee Mike Ford to end the inning.
The Mariners got runners on first and second again in the fifth inning, thanks to two soft singles by Raleigh and Jose Caballero, but Cole got out of it quickly by striking out Dylan Moore.
Cole would give up his only run in the sixth, as he hit Ty France with a pitch before allowing a two-out, opposite-field RBI double to Kelenic. But with Suarez as the possible tying run, Cole overpowered him with a high fastball.
From there, the Yankee ace was completely locked in. He struck out the side in the seventh inning, although his strikeout of Caballero was eventful. Behind in the count 0-2, Caballero deliberately wasted time and stepped out of the box, and Cole responded by throwing a fastball well over everyone’s heads to send a message to the Seattle second baseman. After striking him out, Cole wagged his finger to the Mariner dugout.
"The high fastball can be effective," Cole said with a grin after the game.
Cole struck out Moore to begin the eighth, before manager Aaron Boone took the slow walk to the mound and took out his ace. Receiving a thundering ovation, Cole tipped his hat to the crowd.
Clay Holmes got the last five outs without any trouble, and the Yankees ended their four-game losing streak.
The Yankees are now 7-0 when Cole pitches following a loss this season.
New York looks to win the series against the Mariners tomorrow. First pitch is at 7:05 pm ET.
