NEW YORK – Gerrit Cole posted his 20th straight win of the regular season over his past 27 starts from last season, becoming the sixth major pitcher to ever reach the mark by throwing seven sharp innings to overtake the New York Yankees the Boston Red to lead the Sox 10-3 on Friday night.
A noted Yankees fan who grew up in Southern California, Cole (4-0) allowed one run and four hits in his first taste of the deadly rivalry, albeit for low seats. He hit eight out, ran no one and threw 95 pitches.
“It was a tight game for a while,” Cole said. “We had to make some pitches and we did.”
Cole, who came within one strike of a win his previous start before being drawn, moved closer to the all-time record of 24 consecutive wins by Carl Hubbell in 1936-37. Roy Face is next on 22, followed by Roger Clemens, Jake Arrieta, Rube Marquard and Cole on 20 each.
“Best pitcher in the game and that’s what you see,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “You see a man who is great in his craft with elite things and the ability to master it.”
Cole’s only defeat since May 2019 was last year in the Opener of the World Series, when he picked up Houston and lost to Washington.
Since his most recent loss in the regular season, Cole has been 20-0 with a 1.94 ERA in 27 starts. The 27-player undefeated streak of the right hand is tied with Firpo Marberry for the fourth longest in baseball history. Clemens holds the record with an undefeated streak of 30 games in 1998-99, followed by Kris Medlen and Dave McNally on 28 games per game.
“That’s impressive, but it speaks to his consistency and his work ethic,” said Yankees referee Mike Tauchman.
Cole beat Red Sox slugger JD Martinez three times and drew praise from Boston manager Ron Roenicke.
“Obviously, a great pitcher makes you hunt a lot more,” Roenicke said. “Every time I looked up after a strikeout it was somewhere on a corner and it was great game. Whether it’s 97 now [mph] fastball as a great move as a curveball, it’s a great pitch. “
The Yankees improved at home to 7-0 for the fourth time since 1959 (also 2017, 1998 and 1987). New York also beat Boston for the seventh consecutive time and has been 12-1 at home against the Red Sox since the beginning of last season.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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