Cole steps up, Yankees defeat Guardians to force Game 5 of ALDS

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after striking out a Cleveland Guardians batter in the seventh inning during Game 4 of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Gerrit Cole steps up, Yankees defeat Guardians 4-2 to force Game 5 of ALDS

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/16/22

Facing elimination on Sunday night, ace Gerrit Cole stepped up when the New York Yankees needed him most.

In Game 4 of the ALDS, Cole pitched seven strong innings, helping lead the Yankees to a 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians to force a Game 5.

That's our Ace. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/a7fM8870Oz
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 17, 2022

Cole gave up just two earned runs off six hits and struck out eight to earn the victory on the mound.

The Yankees' bats gave Cole some much-needed run support early. Anthony Rizzo hit an RBI single in the first inning, followed by a two-run home run by Harrison Bader in the second, and just like that, the Yankees were up 3-0 after two innings.

Bader Blast pic.twitter.com/ZaFyYcTvVY
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 16, 2022

The Guardians cut the Yankees' lead to 3-2 after an RBI single by Jose Ramirez in the third inning and a solo shot by Josh Naylor in the fourth.

If it's a Cole World, this is Ice. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/hMaSJFTYL5
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 17, 2022

A Giancarlo Stanton sacrifice fly platted Aaron Judge in the sixth inning, giving the Yankees all the insurance they'd need.

From there, Cole and the Yankees' bullpen took care of things. After Clay Holmes pitched a scoreless eighth, Wandy Peralta entered in the ninth, setting the Guardians down in order to earn the save.

The ALDS comes down to a deciding Game 5, Monday at Yankee Stadium starting at 7:07 p.m.

Jameson Taillon will take the hill for the Yankees, while Aaron Civale will get the ball for the Guardians.

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