Cole Sets Franchise Record For Opening Day K’s
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
by Andrew Rosario
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
On a day that more resembled October baseball, the New York Yankees opened their 121st season hosting the National League San Fransisco Giants. Temperatures on a very sunny day didn’t top 40 degrees with the wind making it feel more like the mid 30’s. It didn’t stop ace and starter Gerrit Cole from dominating from the very beginning, although he began the game walking the first batter he faced on 4 straight pitches. Said Cole of the start, “honestly, after the first batter, l would have told you l would just have been happy to get through five innings.” Cole settled in and struck out the next seven batters. When he left after 6 innings, he struck out 11, giving up zero runs. Cole set a franchise record for most strike outs on opening day.
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Offensively, newly named captain (16th in team history) Aaron Judge showed why the organization invested in him in the off season, signing him to a 9-year, $360 million dollar contract. Judge did not waste anytime, picking up where he left off last season when he hit a record breaking 62 home runs. He deposited the very first pitch he saw over the centerfield wall giving New York a 1-0 lead. “To set the tone for us like that, especially after the offseason and signing back and captain, for him to get us rolling was very fitting,” manager Aaron Boone said.
During the opening introductions, aside from Judge, the loudest ovation came when first year shortstop and NY/NJ native Anthony Volpe was introduced. Volpe acknowledged the Bleacher Creature’s by raising his glove hand and kissing the NY logo on his jersey. Although hitless, (0-2 with a walk and stolen base) was solid defensively starting a 6-4-3 double play. Volpe reflected on his day in the post-game press conference. “What was cool, in the fact that it was opening day, was that l didn’t think it was just me. Everyone, l thought was pretty excited to get out there and just start playing.”
The 5-0 home opening victory was their 35 against 12 losses. Cole and Judge will be a big part of how far the Yankees will go this season. Volpe can be the icing on the cake.
The series resumed Saturday and Sunday before the Philadelphia Phillies come to play 3 games beginning Monday.
