The New York Yankees are going back to their ace for Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals.
After splitting the first two games of the series in The Bronx, the Yankees now go into Kauffman Stadium looking to take the lead against Seth Lugo on Wednesday for Game 3. They'll counter with Clarke Schmidt.
For Game 4, though, the Yankees expectedly named ace Gerrit Cole as the probable starter for Thursday night's game in Kansas City, who will counter with Game 1 starter Michael Wacha.
Though the Yankees got the win in Game 1, 6-5, the outing Cole gave was less than ideal. They might not survive another outing like that on the road.
Cole got through five innings, allowing seven hits, four runs (three earned), three innings and two walks while striking out four on 80 pitches.
The reigning Cy Young award winner allowed 11 hard-hit balls, including a go-ahead two-run home run to MJ Melendez in the top of the fourth inning. Cole generated just six swings and misses in his five-plus innings.
The Yankees rallied to take the lead, a game that reached postseason history with five-lead changes.
Despite his history of success against the Yankees, Wacha didn't fare much better. He went 4.0 innings, allowing four hits, three runs and three walks while striking out three.
Wednesday's game will determine whether the Yankees will be leading or trailing in this series for Game 4. Either way, they'll need Cole to pitch like an ace.
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