BRONX, New York, USA — Gerrit Cole delivered seven strong innings as the New York Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Saturday, beating Atlanta ace Chris Sale for the second time in the series. Cole struck out nine without issuing a walk while George Lombard Jr. and Ben Rice hit solo home runs to help New York secure its 16th victory in 25 games.
- Cole dominates: Gerrit Cole allowed two runs across seven innings, striking out nine and walking none.
- Yankees milestone: Cole recorded his 1,000th Yankees strikeout, becoming the 13th pitcher in franchise history to reach the mark.
- Home-run power: George Lombard Jr. and Ben Rice each homered for New York.
- Sale takes the loss: Chris Sale allowed three runs in six innings and fell to 0-3 in three career head-to-head matchups against Cole.
Cole continues strong return from Tommy John surgery
Cole improved to 6-5 after another effective outing, winning his third consecutive start since returning from Tommy John surgery on May 22. The Yankees have now won 16 of their past 25 games.
The right-hander gave up six hits and two runs over seven innings. Both runs came in the fifth inning, when Atlanta collected four of its six hits against him. Cole responded by retiring the final three batters of the inning, including Drake Baldwin, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson.
His nine strikeouts and zero walks helped him work through Atlanta’s offensive pressure and preserve the Yankees’ advantage deep into the game.
Cole reaches 1,000 Yankees strikeouts
Cole reached another significant milestone during the fifth inning when he struck out Olson for the second time in the game. The strikeout gave Cole 1,000 strikeouts as a Yankee, making him the 13th pitcher in franchise history to reach that total.
Since joining the organization before the 2020 season, Cole has recorded 1,002 strikeouts across 839 2/3 innings. His matchup with Olson has been particularly one-sided, with the Atlanta first baseman now 0-for-24 against him with 16 strikeouts.
Jones provides the key offensive spark
Spencer Jones played a central role in the Yankees’ scoring. He drove in two runs and later scored what proved to be the winning run in the fifth inning.
Jones opened the scoring in the second inning with an RBI single that brought home Trent Grisham. Later in the game, rookie George Lombard Jr. reached base after successfully winning consecutive ABS challenges.
Jones followed with his first career triple, scoring Lombard and tying the game at 2-2. Before Sale delivered his next pitch to Austin Wells, the left-hander was called for his third career balk, allowing Jones to score the go-ahead run.
Sale argues balk call as Braves lose their lead
Sale appeared to be charged with the balk because of a slight hitch in his pitching motion. The veteran left-hander strongly disputed the call, but Braves manager Walt Weiss took over the argument with plate umpire Dan Merzel.
Weiss was ejected during the confrontation, while the Yankees took advantage of the crucial fifth-inning call to move ahead.
Sale finished with three runs allowed on five hits across six innings. He struck out eight and walked two in his first start since July 29, taking his first loss since June 28.
The defeat also extended Sale’s struggles against Cole. He is now 0-3 in three head-to-head matchups with the Yankees right-hander.
Yankees withstand late Braves challenge
New York added insurance in the seventh when Lombard launched his second career home run against reliever Victor Mederos. The homer to the short porch proved important when Acuna later connected for a home run against Brent Headrick in the eighth inning, cutting Atlanta’s deficit to 4-3.
After Paul Blackburn retired Ozzie Albies to finish the eighth, Ben Rice restored the Yankees’ two-run advantage with his 32nd homer of the season, putting New York ahead 5-3.
Atlanta continued to threaten in the ninth. Pinch hitter Dominic Smith delivered an RBI single against David Bednar, reducing the Yankees’ lead to one run. Bednar then completed the inning to record his 26th save and secure the 5-4 victory.
Yankees continue strong stretch
The victory gave New York its 16th win in 25 games and extended Cole’s winning run since his return to the rotation. His performance also added a major franchise milestone to an increasingly productive comeback from surgery.
For Atlanta, Sale’s six-inning outing was enough to keep the Braves competitive, but the Yankees’ timely hitting and Cole’s seven strong innings ultimately proved decisive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many strikeouts does Gerrit Cole have for the Yankees?
Gerrit Cole has recorded 1,002 strikeouts for the Yankees across 839 2/3 innings since joining the organization before the 2020 season. He became the 13th pitcher in Yankees history to reach 1,000 strikeouts.
What was the final score between the Yankees and Braves?
The New York Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-4 on Saturday, with Gerrit Cole earning the win and David Bednar recording his 26th save.
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