When the New York Yankees agreed to a record deal with star pitcher Gerrit Cole back in December, expectations were set astronomically high for the right hander’s first year in pinstripes. Granted, Cole had been arguably the best pitcher in the AL over the last two years.
The Yankees were craving a World Series title, having gone their first decade without a championship since the early 1900’s. Cole was seen as the missing piece that would put the Yankees over the top and bring a title back to the Bronx.
Well, so far it hasn’t been smooth sailing. While Cole has shown flashes of his dominant self, he’s struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark. He’s allowed a MLB leading 13 home runs in just nine starts this year.
Overall, Cole’s numbers are not terrible as he’s pitched to a 4-3 record with a 3.63 ERA and a WHIP of 1.096. Still, we have yet to really see that signature Yankees moment for Gerrit Cole. He has his chance tonight.
Inside Cole’s Crucial Yankees Start
Over the past month, the Yankees have been horrendous. They’ve gone from a first place team to a team that was on the verge of falling to fourth. The team hot on their trail is the Baltimore Orioles, who come to the Bronx tonight.
Cole’s last start came against the Orioles where he looked sensational for five innings. However, he completely hit a wall in the sixth and the Orioles plated five runs. Cole has his chance to get this one back for the Yankees.
After losing five straight, the Yankees finally beat the Blue Jays last night. It was a complete win as the offense looked good, Deivi Garcia looked good, and the bullpen looked good. It felt like it could be a turning moment for the Yankees.
Tonight needs to be the night the Yankees keep it going. They have Cole on the mound, and it’s the biggest start of his young Yankees career. He needs to come out and dominate so the bombers can keep the ball rolling. Perhaps a hot streak could be right around the corner.