Gerrit Cole and Juan Soto Power Yankees to 4-2 Walk-Off Win Over Athletics in 10 Innings
Cole Dominates, Soto Delivers Clutch Hit
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and newly acquired slugger Juan Soto combined to lead the team to a thrilling 4-2 walk-off victory over the Oakland Athletics in a 10-inning battle on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Cole turned in another dominant performance, allowing just two runs on four hits over seven innings while striking out 10 batters. The right-hander improved his record to 7-3 and lowered his ERA to 2.95. With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 10th inning, Soto stepped to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second. The 24-year-old outfielder lined a single to left field, driving in both runners and sending the Yankees faithful into a frenzy.
Walk-Off Heroics Raise Yankees' Record to 43-25
Soto's heroics extended the Yankees' winning streak to five games and improved their record to 43-25, the best mark in the American League. The Athletics, meanwhile, fell to 27-40 with the loss. The Yankees have now won 10 of their last 12 games and are starting to hit their stride after a slow start to the season. Cole has been a key part of their success, as has Soto, who has quickly become a fan favorite in the Bronx.
Cole Continues to Impress
Cole was in control from the start of his outing on Tuesday night, retiring the first 10 batters he faced. The Athletics finally got to him in the fourth inning when they loaded the bases with one out and Chad Pinder hit a sacrifice fly to center field. Cole allowed another run in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Sheldon Neuse, but the Yankees ace settled down and retired the final seven batters he faced. Cole has now allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five starts. Soto, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres earlier this month, has been a major spark plug for the Yankees offense. The two-time Silver Slugger is batting .325 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 20 games with New York. Soto's walk-off hit was his third extra-base hit of the game and helped the Yankees avoid extra innings. The Yankees have now won two of their last three games in extra innings, and they are 7-5 in extra-inning games this season. The Yankees will look to continue their winning ways when they host the Athletics in the second game of their three-game series on Wednesday night. Jordan Montgomery will start for the Yankees, while Paul Blackburn will start for the Athletics.
Comments