Gerrit Cole’s fastball had some extra sizzle early on Saturday, hinting at the ingredients for a special evening in the Inner Harbor. Through five innings, the Yankees’ ace seemed nearly untouchable, but that magic dissolved into another frustrating performance.
Cole registered 10 strikeouts for the third time in a Yankees uniform, but nine Orioles batted against the right-hander in a five-run sixth inning, a frame that opened with a DJ Stewart homer and included a costly Thairo Estrada throwing error in a 6-1 loss at Camden Yards.
José Iglesias’ fourth-inning double marked the only solid contact against Cole until the sixth, when Stewart’s first hit of the season traveled toward Eutaw Street. It was the 13th home run that Cole has allowed this season, leading the Majors.
Estrada’s wild throw to first preceded a pair of two-out walks and Ryan Mountcastle’s two-run single, which came on an 0-2 fastball up in the zone. Rio Ruiz followed by driving in another two runs, credited with a “fan interference” double that was fielded in play by a ballboy.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].