The New York Yankees snapped their season-worst, seven-game losing streak Friday night with a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. The victory marked a return to form for the team, which had struggled offensively and defensively during their skid. A strong performance from pitcher Gerrit Cole, coupled with the return of key players, contributed to the win.
Gerrit Cole, making his return after struggling in recent starts following Tommy John surgery recovery, pitched five solid innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven. He weathered a 53-minute rain delay in the third inning, warming up in the bullpen during the stoppage and returning to the mound for the fourth.
The Yankees' offense was bolstered by the return of Trent Grisham from the injured list and Ryan McMahon from a throat infection. Grisham hit a leadoff home run in the first inning, his ninth of the season, and later added an RBI sacrifice fly. McMahon doubled and drew a crucial walk.
Ben Rice provided the go-ahead offense in the third inning, hitting his 24th home run of the season, a two-run shot, to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. The team extended their lead in the seventh when McMahon doubled and scored on a hit by José Caballero, who then also scored on Grisham's sacrifice fly.
A defense that had been a point of concern during the losing streak appeared more cohesive. Cole limited Minnesota to a first-inning home run by Kody Clemens and an RBI single in the fourth. The bullpen, including Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, Fernando Cruz, and closer David Bednar, who earned his 17th save, held the Twins scoreless after the fourth inning.
The Yankees' dominance over the Twins continued, with the team now holding a 112-44 record against Minnesota since 2002. This marks the Yankees' first victory since June 24, halting a difficult stretch where they struggled to score runs.