Gerrit Cole Shines as Yankees Beat the Guardians to Tie the ALDS at 2-2

(Photo via theglobeandmail.com)

CLEVELAND, OH –

In Game 3 on Saturday night, Cleveland pulled out an incredible comeback win to take a 2-1 series lead. On Sunday night they were looking to take down the Yankees and move on to the ALCS. Cal Quantrill took the mound for the Guardians. Quantrill this season at Progressive field was an incredible 9-0 in 19 starts. However, the Yankees brought their ace Gerrit Cole to the mound in Game 4. Cole got the win in Game 1 in New York over the Guardians and was looking to do the same on Sunday.

 

Harrison Bader and Co. Start Strong

Much like the Guardians on Saturday night, the Yankees got off to a fast start in Sunday night’s game. In the first inning, Gleyber Torres started the game with a sharp base hit to right field. Two batter later, Anthony Rizzo drove him in with a single to center field. This put the Yankees on top 1-0 early. In the next inning, with 1 on and 1 out, Harrison Bader extended the Yankee’s lead to 3-0 with a 2-run home run. For Bader, this was his 3^rd home run of the series and the 2^nd off Quantrill.

Guardians Keep It Close

With their backs against the wall yet again, the Guardians faced an uphill battle in Game 4. The heart and determination they have played with all season once again came out. In the 3^rd inning after a pair of 2-out base hits, Jose Ramirez drove in Steven Kwan, but got thrown out on the base paths. This play trimmed the Yankee’s lead to 3-1. The following inning, Josh Naylor took Gerrit Cole’s fastball to dead center field for a solo home run. This brought a wave of energy to the team and the crowd. However, that would be all the Guardians offense could muster against the Yankee’s pitching staff.

Yankees Close It Out

In the 6^th inning after an infield single and bloop double, Giancarlo Stanton drove home Aaron Judge with a sac fly. This gave the Yankees an insurance run and a 4-2 lead. Gerrit Cole had an impressive performance by going 7 strong innings giving up just 2 runs. Clay Holmes and Wandy Peralta came in from the bullpen and gave the Yankees 2 innings of no-hit ball. The Yankees came out on top with a 4-2 victory and forced a Game 5.

Pitching Lines

Cleveland Guardians

Cal Quantrill (loss): 5IP, 4H, 3ER, 1BB, 3K

Eli Morgan: 1IP, 2H, 1ER, 2K

Cody Morris: 2IP, 3K

Zach Plesac: 1IP, 2K

New York Yankees

Gerrit Cole (win): 7IP, 6H, 2ER, 1BB, 8K

Clay Holmes (hold): 1IP, 1BB, 2K

Wandy Peralta (save): 1IP, 1K

Game 5

Game 5 will be played on Monday night at 7:07PM in New York on TBS. Pitching wise, it will be mostly a bullpen game for both teams. However, Aaron Civale will get the start for the Guardians against Jameson Taillon of the Yankees. Whoever wins the game will win the series and advance to take on the Astros in the ALCS.