On Tuesday night, Gerrit Cole accomplished a rare feat, becoming the third-fastest pitcher in games played to record his 2,000th career strikeout. The New York Yankees ace achieved the milestone in his 278th game, behind only Randy Johnson and Clayton Kershaw. Cole also became the third-fastest pitcher to reach the mark in innings pitched, behind Chris Sale and Pedro Martinez. The historic punchout came on a 96.6 mph fastball on a 2-2 count against Orioles shortstop Jorge Mateo. Cole became the 88th pitcher in MLB history to accomplish the feat, including the seventh to do so wearing pinstripes.
Cole Struggles in Game
Despite achieving the milestone, it wasn’t all good news for Cole as he struggled in the game against the Baltimore Orioles. He allowed five runs on six hits and was pulled after giving up back-to-back singles to start the sixth inning. Terrin Vavra put the Orioles in front 5-4 with a bases-loaded groundout against Ron Marinaccio, and Baltimore’s bullpen held it there before Aaron Judge took Cole off the hook for his first loss in 11 starts this season.
Judge Saves the Day
Despite Cole’s struggles, the Yankees were able to come away with a 6-5 victory in extra innings thanks to Aaron Judge’s heroics. Judge drove an 0-2 splitter from Félix Bautista over the left-field fence with one out in the ninth to tie the game. It was Judge’s 14th home run this season and eighth in his last nine games. The Yankees then scored the winning run in the 10th inning to secure the victory.
Cole commented on the milestone, stating that although it was a special accomplishment, he was more excited about how the team played. Cole has been one of the game’s best pitchers this season, ranking first in bWAR while posting a 2.01 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, with 70 strikeouts in 67⅔ innings pitched. The Yankees ace is currently in the fourth year of a nine-year, $324 million contract.
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