Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Good news and great news from 6-1 win over White Sox

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Alexander Wilson | Last updated 5/18/24

Saturday marked a victorious day for the Yankees, highlighted by a dominant win over the Chicago White Sox (6-1) and encouraging updates from star pitcher Gerrit Cole’s rehabilitation. Cole demonstrated promising signs during a bullpen session, delivering his fastball in the low 90s and completing two simulated innings before the game.

With approximately a month until his expected return, Cole’s recovery could significantly bolster what is already one of the top rotations in baseball.

The game itself showcased the depth of the Yankees’ pitching talent. Luis Gil, initially pegged as the fifth starter, excelled on the mound, pitching six innings on Saturday with only one earned run and a staggering 14 strikeouts.

This performance marked the 16th time a Yankees pitcher has struck out 14 batters in a game, reinforcing Gil’s case to remain in the rotation even after Cole’s return. Currently, Gil boasts a team-leading 2.39 ERA, outperforming all other starters, including Clarke Schmidt.

Yankees’ Offensive Firepower Fuels Winning Streak

The Yankees’ offensive lineup was equally impressive, blending power and precision to secure the victory. Juan Soto led the charge with a remarkable afternoon at the plate, achieving four hits, including two home runs and three RBIs.

Giancarlo Stanton also made significant contributions with two hits, two RBIs, and a home run, continuing his recent hot streak. Stanton’s ongoing health and consistent performance are crucial for the Yankees as they aim to maintain their offensive momentum and manage potential disruptions.

With this victory, the Yankees extended their winning streak to six games and have won 13 of their last 15, positioning them 1.5 games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. As the team looks forward to the return of key players like Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu—the latter having gone 1-for-2 in his first rehab game—the Yankees are well-prepared to reinforce their lineup and sustain their lead in the division.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: