World Series Game 1 could be career-defining moment for Gerrit Cole

Two marquee offenses highlight the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, strong pitching early may be the difference for the men wearing pinstripes, starting with ace Gerrit Cole in Game 1 on Friday.

Despite plenty of experience, Cole hasn't fared well when getting the ball to start a playoff series. Per Stathead, the veteran right-hander is one of only 13 pitchers to make at least seven career Game 1 starts, boasting the fifth-highest ERA (4.93) and the second-most home runs allowed (11) over the fewest innings pitched (38 1/3) of the group.

No team has scored more runs (66) or hit more home runs (20) than the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 postseason. With little wiggle room for failure, Cole will likely set the tone for the series, one way or the other, as MLB insider Joel Sherman surmised on Thursday's edition of the "Pinstripe Post."

"He could be a champion for the first time and the MVP of the Series — that's what's on the line for him," Sherman said. "Conversely, if he's knocked out in the second inning [Friday] night, the Yankees are going to be chasing it for at least the first two games, if not the whole series."

Cole started Game 1 of a World Series in 2019 with the Houston Astros, giving up five earned runs over seven innings in a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals, who ultimately won the match-up in six games. This time around, Cole will make two starts at the very least, with the opportunity to right the wrong from a few years ago (albeit with a different team).

The challenge L.A.'s offense presents is no secret, boasting a lineup including star Mookie Betts and the frontrunner for the 2024 National League MVP award, Shohei Ohtani. When speaking with reporters on Thursday, Cole, now older and a bit wiser, seemed unshaken by the task at hand, sharing a very matter-of-fact plan to attack the Dodgers' bats.

"You've got to give every pitch a chance by fully committing to it, and so be it if the ball gets hit," Cole said via SNY. "Hopefully, you take those situations and learn from them, just like you do when you have success."

Winning Game 1 isn't an absolute must, but it would put the Yankees in the driver's seat. Ahead of the 120th World Series, 63.8% of the teams that won the opener went on to win it all.