A big-time performance from Gerrit Cole secures a weekend sweep in the Bronx.
This was one of those wins from the Yankees where it reminds everyone how good they can be. When it’s all clicking, this is one of the best teams in baseball.
With everything clicking Sunday afternoon, the Yankees cruised to a 10-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians. The win secured a series sweep for the Yankees. Furthermore, it sends them into a much-needed day of rest on Monday.
Here are the takeaways …
Gerrit Cole looked like an ace again
For Cole, his early-season struggles have overshadowed how well the rest of the starting rotation has looked. On Sunday, however, he looked like the Gerrit Cole we’re all expecting every five days. From the start, Cole was aggressive in the strike zone. He used all of his pitches effectively, most importantly — he didn’t labor through innings.
Cole pitched 6.2 innings of scoreless baseball, allowing four hits on 92 pitches (66 strikes). He struck out nine while walking only one. After allowing a 2-out single to Owen Miller, Cole was relieved by Wandy Peralta. A s Cole walked off the field he was greeted to a standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd.
“We need him to be good for us, obviously, this year and that’s the expectation,” manager Aaron Boone said afterwards. ” I’m glad it happened today.”
The Yankees provided Cole with plenty of offense. However, what stands out is Cole stepping up and looking like the ace of the pitching staff. His fastball looks live, the off-speed pitches (especially his slider) were just as dominant. Cole lowered his ERA from 6.35 to 4.00.
DJ LeMahieu — The Return of “The Machine”
LeMahieu ran his hitting streak up to 11 games with a 3-for-4 performance, including a 2-run home run to left field off reliever Kirk McCarty. “The Machine” is clicking right now on all cylinders. After struggling last season, LeMahieu is back to attacking the baseball and hitting to all sides of the field.
“DJ at the top really set the tone for us,” Boone said.
The Yankees have used LeMahieu at different spots in the lineup so far this season — but at the top of the lineup swinging a hot bat, it gives opposing pitchers that much more to worry about before having to deal with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
How much more patient will the Yankees be with Joey Gallo?
It’s a question worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. Gallo, for the most part, has not looked good in 2022 — with the bat and glove. He did, however, get an RBI double on Sunday. It was Gallo’s first run batted in this season, moreover, it was his first extra base hit of 2022. The Yankees, at 16 games into the season, are giving Gallo time to find his groove, however, it’s worth watching to see if the veteran’s able to shake off this slump.
The offense brought the run support for their ace…
Cole was strong in this one, it also didn’t hurt that the offense provided plenty of backup. The Yankees tagged Cleveland’s starting pitcher Aaron Civale for seven hits and six runs in three innings of work before heading for an early shower.
The Yankees hit 5 doubles along with home runs from LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, and a late-inning pinch-hit blast from Tim Locastro.
Jose Trevino or Kyle Higashioka? — Here we go
In the words of the great Maxwell — Let’s not play the game.
On Sunday, Boone decided to go with Trevino catching Cole. This opened eyes around the Bronx as we all know Higashioka has been Cole’s regular catcher. Yes, Cole pitched well today. Moreover, Trevino called a great game. But, let’s not get too far ahead with any thoughts of a controversy.
Best-case scenario here for the Yankees is now Boone and Cole have to feel good, moving forward, knowing they have two catchers they feel comfortable with. So, let’s see how it plays out going forward.
What’s Next
The Yankees get a much-needed off day on the calendar before opening a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles at the Stadium.
Main Image: Robert Sabo
