Cole shines for nearly 10 innings as the Yankees edge out the Athletics.

 OAKLAND — This time, there were no intentional walks to disrupt Gerrit Cole's rhythm—only a classic performance that hinted the Yankees' ace might be gearing up for October.

Cole rebounded from a controversial free pass in his last outing to deliver his best game of the season, pitching nine innings in the Yankees’ 4-2, 10-inning triumph over the Athletics on Friday night at the Coliseum.

"You want to pitch better, but you try not to over-adjust, either,” Cole remarked. “It’s about finding a balance. I was excited to pitch today because I had a chance to do something positive for the team.”

The Yankees clinched the lead in the 10th with a passed ball that slipped past catcher Shea Langeliers, allowing Jasson Domínguez to slide home safely. The drama escalated during that at-bat when Juan Soto, who was scratched from the lineup due to swelling in his bruised left knee, emerged from the dugout and hit a run-scoring double into deep left field off T.J. McFarland before being replaced by a pinch-runner. Anthony Volpe contributed an RBI single, his third hit of the game, extending the lead before Luke Weaver secured the final three outs for his third save.

With this win, the Yankees maintained a four-game lead over the Orioles in the American League East, with just eight games left in the season. Cole's impressive 99-pitch performance was pivotal.

"Just an outstanding outing,” manager Aaron Boone stated. “Nine innings, with that level of pitch efficiency—I'm incredibly proud of him. He kept us in a game where we struggled offensively for much of it."

In his previous start against the Red Sox, Cole had not allowed a hit until he intentionally walked Rafael Devers with one out in the fourth inning, a decision that backfired as he allowed a season-high seven runs. After facing scrutiny all week, the right-hander turned things around, holding the Athletics to one run on two hits, with one walk and seven strikeouts. Cole credited his success to a blend of their aggressiveness and executing good pitches early in the count.

“There were some hard-hit balls, but they were well-placed,” Cole noted. “We directed the plays to our defenders; Gleyber [Torres] made some tough stops, and we converted every out opportunity we had.”

Catcher Austin Wells praised Cole's performance: “He did an excellent job mixing up his pitches tonight. Not many pitchers go nine innings anymore, so that was something special.”

This marked the first time Cole pitched into the seventh inning this season, and he expressed a desire to continue into the 10th if the game remained tied, though that suggestion was quickly dismissed.

“I didn’t feel fatigued tonight, which is a positive sign,” Cole said. “I had more in the tank, allowing us to execute pitches deep into the game. I hadn’t pitched in the seventh, eighth, or ninth until now, and it felt really good to see it all come together.”

Cole’s year has been challenging, especially after being sidelined during Spring Training with right elbow inflammation, delaying his season debut until June 19. His performances have been inconsistent—he acknowledged, “There have been a lot of good games, but a few clunkers, for sure.”

However, one positive outlook on Cole’s season is that his arm may be livelier now than it would have been had he made 33 starts like last year when he led the AL with 209 innings pitched. That could spell trouble for playoff contenders and offer the Yankees a significant advantage.

"I’d much rather have 212 innings under my belt,” Cole said. “Regardless of how I feel today, being in the flow of the league since April provides invaluable experience. But I feel like we’re in a good place right now. I’m just trying to press forward with confidence.”