Gerrit Cole's Strong Start Spoiled by Dodgers' Max Muncy Homer

Gerrit Cole's Strong Start Spoiled by Dodgers' Max Muncy Homer

Gerrit Cole pitched 6.1 strong innings for the New York Yankees, but a go-ahead home run by Max Muncy in the 7th inning spoiled his effort as the Yankees fell 2-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

What happened?

Cole was dealing, allowing just two runs on six hits, but he hung around one batter too long, serving up a go-ahead home run to Muncy in the 7th inning. The Yankees' only run came in the 4th inning, when Jasson Domínguez doubled, advanced on an error, and scored on a passed ball.

Why it matters for Gerrit Cole

Cole's strong start was a bright spot for the Yankees, but it was ultimately overshadowed by the loss. The right-hander's pitch count crept toward an eventual season high of 103, and he issued a six-pitch walk to Mookie Betts in the 7th inning. Despite his best efforts, Cole couldn't escape the damage, and the Dodgers took the lead.

What comes next?

The Yankees will look to bounce back from the loss on Saturday, when they face the Dodgers in the second game of their series. Cole will likely take the mound again, looking to build on his strong start and help the Yankees get back on track.

Cole's outing was marked by a few close calls, including a slider that home-plate umpire Junior Valentine didn't call in the 7th inning. Cole thought the pitch nicked the corner, but it was ultimately fouled off by Muncy. The right-hander went back to work, trying a slider that was fouled off and a fastball that sailed up and away. Cole went back to the slider, but he missed his spot, and Muncy clubbed it into the second deck in right field for a two-run shot.

"I looked at the pitch; it's not where I wanted it," Cole said. "But I looked at the swing and it was pretty excellent. It stinks."

The Yankees' only run off Roki Sasaki came in the 4th inning, when Jasson Domínguez doubled, advanced on an error, and scored on a passed ball. They threatened in the 8th, when Trent Grisham worked a one-out walk and Ben Rice ripped an Alex Vesia slider for a double to right-center field.

"I thought we definitely had a chance [to score]," Rice said.

Grisham has dealt with a recurring right hamstring issue this season, costing him time in June, and he appeared to slow as he approached third base. Grisham didn't believe that was the case, saying he picked up third-base coach Luis Rojas "great."

"I saw it was a double off the wall, so I'm assuming go at all times," Grisham said. "... I'm conscious of my hammy, coming back from it, but I had a good rehab. It went well. I feel good now."

Waved home, Grisham was cut down as center fielder Andy Pages fed Betts, who fired home to catcher Dalton Rushing. Betts' throw was slightly off-line, but close enough for Rushing to get back in time to apply a tag.

"I thought Luis actually did a good job in reading the throw that was going over the second baseman's head," manager Aaron Boone said. "Mookie was kind of on the run to have to go make the play, and then made a pretty good throw on the run. I don't have an issue with taking the shot there."

Cole's outing was a strong one, but it ultimately fell short. The right-hander will look to bounce back on Saturday, when the Yankees face the Dodgers in the second game of their series.

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