New York Yankees Star Did Something Extremely Rare

Yankees Hall of Famer Whitey Ford achieved this feat four times during his legendary career in the 1950s and 1960s, but no Yankees pitcher had done so since Ed Figueroa on September 17, 1976. The last time a Yankees starter earned a win in extra innings was when Tommy John threw all 10 innings in a 6-5 victory against Cleveland in 1979.

This stellar performance comes at a critical juncture for Cole, who has faced challenges in the 2024 season. He currently holds a 7-5 record with a 3.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings over 16 starts.

The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner missed significant time early in the year after starting the season on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation. His return was rocky, including a difficult outing against the Boston Red Sox in which he surrendered seven runs in just 4.1 innings, his worst of the season.

However, Friday night’s outing showed Cole at his finest, and his effort came with another distinction—he became the first Yankees pitcher this season to throw a pitch in the ninth inning, as noted by Sports Reference’s Katie Sharp.

It was also the first time this season Cole had pitched beyond the seventh inning, a crucial sign that he may be rounding into form just as the Yankees need him most.

With the Yankees sitting at 90-64 and just eight games remaining in the regular season, Cole is set for one more start next week against his former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. As the postseason looms, the timing couldn’t be better for the Yankees’ ace to regain his Cy Young form.

For the Yankees, who are pushing toward a deep October run, Cole’s resurgence could not have come at a better time. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations will be key as New York looks to make a statement in the playoffs.

Cole’s masterpiece against Oakland serves as a reminder of the talent and resolve he brings to the mound—and his potential to carry the New York Yankees deep into the postseason.

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