The New York Yankees (89-64) jumped on Eduardo Rodriguez for five runs in the first inning Friday night and never looked back, cruising to a 9-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks (80-74). The win, combined with Tampa Bay’s loss earlier in the night, moved New York to within four games of first place in the American League East.
The Yankees loaded the bases without recording an out in the opening inning before Ben Rice drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home the first run. Amed Rosario followed with an RBI single, and a passed ball allowed Heliot Ramos to score. George Lombard Jr. then delivered a two-run single to give New York a 5-0 advantage.
That early cushion gave Gerrit Cole room to settle in, and the right-hander responded with his best outing in several starts. After allowing seven home runs across his previous two appearances, Cole surrendered only two runs on four hits over six innings. He did not issue a walk and struck out six.
Corbin Carroll accounted for both Arizona runs with a two-run home run in the second inning, but Cole kept the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard for the remainder of his outing.
Rice added to the lead in the third inning with his 39th home run of the season, a 390-foot drive over the left-center field wall. He finished 2-for-3 with a home run and a triple. Lombard added a solo home run in the sixth inning, ending Rodriguez’s night.
New York scored twice more in the seventh against former Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen, with an error and a failed double-play attempt contributing to the rally.
Ryan Yarbrough, Michael Fulmer and Luis Gil combined to record the final nine outs without allowing another run.
Cam Schlittler will face Brandon Pfaadt in the middle game of the three-game set on Saturday at 8:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.