Gerrit Cole records lowest strike rate ever in postseason start in tough battle against Guardians

Gerrit Cole experienced an unusual struggle during Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, reportedly recording his lowest strike rate ever in a postseason start.

With a rate of just 59.6%, Cole faced a tough outing, specifically in the fourth inning, where he walked three batters and allowed two runs that complicated the New York Yankees’ 3-0 lead.

Cole lasted only 4.1 innings, striking out four batters but struggling with control, forcing Yankees manager Aaron Boone to bring in Clay Holmes as a relief. Despite his early dominance, the bases-loaded jam in the fourth marred what could have otherwise been an exceptional outing.

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Game 2 of ALCS was expected to be a pitching duel between Tanner Bibee and Gerrit Cole

On the opposing side, Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee also faced issues, pitching just 1.1 innings before being pulled after giving up five hits and two runs. The duel quickly fizzled out as both teams turned to their bullpens earlier than planned.

Cleveland Guardian’s Tanner Bibee also had a tough outing, giving up 2 runs and 5 hits in just 1.1 innings (Image Source: IMAGN)

The game, which could have been tied in the fourth inning, quickly took a turn in the Yankees’ favor. Anthony Rizzo quickly answered back to the Guardians’ rally in the sixth inning by contributing with an RBI double, which put the game 4-2 in the Bronx Bombers' favor. Aaron Judge broke the game open in the seventh inning with a two-run homer to center field, scoring Gleyber Torres and extending the Yankees lead to 6-2.

Cleveland’s bullpen struggled to contain New York’s lineup, with multiple pitching changes failing to stop their surge. Meanwhile, the Yankees’ bullpen – including Tommy Kahnle and Clay Holmes – kept the Guardians at bay, neutralizing their offensive threats after Gerrit Cole’s early exit.