Gerrit Cole claimed a remarkable Major League record early in Monday’s start, but the Yankees’ ace couldn’t savor the accomplishment, enduring one of his roughest outings over the last year-plus in a 5-2 loss to the Rangers at Globe Life Field.
Though Cole ran his tally to 61 strikeouts between walks, the longest single-season streak since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893, the right-hander was knocked for five runs and seven hits over five-plus innings as he accepted his first loss since April 18.
Adolis García and Willie Calhoun homered off Cole, who gave back a lead provided by three first-inning singles, including Gio Urshela’s run-scoring knock. Texas collected three runs in the second inning off Cole, with García homering and Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Jose Trevino knocking RBI hits.
The Yankees were handcuffed over six innings by right-hander Jordan Lyles, held to six hits and a walk. Lyles came into Monday’s start 0-3 with a 7.94 ERA over his previous five starts for the Rangers, who had lost six in a row.
Cole had not walked a batter since issuing a free pass to the Blue Jays’ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on April 12 in Dunedin, Fla. The Major League record of 58 was set last Thursday by the Brewers’ Corbin Burnes. Cole tied Burnes with a first-inning strikeout of Nate Lowe, then passed him by striking out Joey Gallo. Cole recorded two more punchouts before issuing a five-pitch walk to Gallo in the third inning.
Luke Voit trimmed Texas’ advantage with a solo home run in the eighth inning. It was Voit’s first of the season after leading the Majors with 22 last year.
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].