Gerrit Cole gives up go-ahead homer as Yankees fall to Dodgers

On 21 July 2026, Gerrit Cole surrendered a two-run homer to Justin Muncy that broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning, sealing the New York Yankees’ 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

What happened?

Cole, the Yankees’ Opening Day starter, was left in by manager Aaron Boone with two outs in the seventh and the bases empty. Muncy drove a 2-2 fastball over the left-field wall, putting the Dodgers up 4-2. The Yankees rallied in the ninth but fell one run short. Cole finished with six innings, three earned runs, and six strikeouts.

Why it matters for Gerrit Cole

The loss snapped a three-game Yankees winning streak and left Cole with an 8-6 record on the season. Boone pointed to his own decision-making after the game. “I left him in one batter too many,” Boone said. Cole has now allowed at least one homer in four straight starts, a stretch that has coincided with the Yankees’ recent slide.

What comes next?

The Yankees head to Oakland for a three-game set with the Athletics starting Friday. Cole is scheduled to pitch again Saturday, aiming to rebound after his shortest outing since early June. The Dodgers, meanwhile, inch closer to the top of the NL West with the win.

Boone’s call under fire

Boone’s decision to keep Cole in against Muncy drew immediate second-guessing from analysts and fans alike. Cole’s fastball command dipped late in the outing, and the Dodgers’ lineup pounced. “I take full accountability,” Boone added. The Yankees will now reassess their bullpen usage before the next series.