Yankees’ Gerrit Cole discovers his Game 4 pitching opponent

In Game 4 of the ALDS on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals, the New York Yankees will send Gerrit Cole back to the mound, where he will face the same opponent as in the series opener.Manager Matt Quatraro said on Tuesday that the Royals will give Michael Wacha the ball once again, according to Anne Rogers. In Game 1, Wacha worked four innings and threw up three earned runs before leaving the game. In the end, the Yankees prevailed 6-5. Despite not being at his best, Cole pitched five innings and gave up four runs (three earned) in order to keep his team in the game.

The series’ third and most important game is set for Wednesday. Luis Gil, one of the Yankees’ most reliable arms all season, was not started by the team; instead, the unexpected choice was made to start Clarke Schmidt. If New York makes it to the ALCS, Gil should be back in the lineup.

On Monday, KC triumphed 4-2 in Game 2 to mount a comeback. Carlos Rodon was tagged for four earned runs on seven hits in just 3.2 innings, demonstrating their early advantage over him. Cole Ragans pitched four innings of one-run ball and then turned things over to the bullpen, who did a great job of containing the Yankees lineup. That was all the offense they needed.