Gerrit Cole delivered a stellar performance for the New York Yankees on Friday, leading the team to a victory that secured their spot in the ALCS this season. Cole, who has a strong history of excelling in playoff situations, was credited with the win, showcasing the level of performance that the Yankees expected when they signed him. In 2020, Cole inked a nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees, and some believe that games like this justify that hefty deal.
The MLB Network team highlighted Cole’s consistent success in key playoff games, particularly noting that he’s never lost an ALDS game. The team also emphasized that Cole was a critical figure during his time in Houston, but now, with the Yankees, he’s the go-to ace in these situations. They noted that this is why the Yankees signed him, specifically for games like these where he takes control, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
Although this particular game wasn’t an elimination game, the Yankees’ victory in Game 4 gave them extra rest heading into the ALCS. This is crucial, as it spares them from a more challenging pitching matchup against either the Cleveland Guardians or the Detroit Tigers, who are still competing. The Yankees also avoid a repeat of the Game 2 loss where Cole Ragans faced Carlos Rodon at home.
During the game, Cole nearly allowed a game-tying home run to Kansas City’s Kyle Isbel, but the ball was caught by Juan Soto at the wall. It was noted that the hit would have been a home run in 24 other ballparks. Nevertheless, Cole escaped that inning and secured the win. Reflecting on the victory, Cole stated that while the team is confident, there is still plenty of baseball left to play, and the focus remains on improving their performance as they advance in the postseason.
Looking ahead to the ALCS, Cole is expected to start Game 2 on four days of rest. Carlos Rodon, who would have pitched in a potential Game 5, will likely start Game 1. The Yankees have additional pitching options, including Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, and potentially Nestor Cortes, should he recover from injury.
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