Full Breakdown
Tigers Snap Decade-Long Losing Streak to Gerrit Cole with 5-3 Victory over Yankees
6/24/2026, 1:04:27 AM
Game Summary
On June 22, 2026, the Tigers beat the Yankees 5-3 at Comerica Park, ending a ten-year winless streak against Gerrit Cole. Valdez (6 IP, 1 R, 8 K) out-pitched Cole, who lasted 4 1/3 innings and gave up five runs. Greene’s 422-foot homer and McGonigle’s two-run double delivered the decisive runs.
Background & Context
Detroit entered 34-44 but held a 12-6 June record. The Tigers had never beaten Cole since his 2016 debut. New York, at 46-31, faced a 16-game stretch that led Aaron Boone to give Cole a day’s rest before the Detroit start.
Key Performers
Valdez threw six innings, one run. Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, gave up five runs on nine hits. Torkelson added a leadoff double and two-out RBI single; McGonigle added a two-run double and Greene hit the decisive homer.
Data & Statistics
Final score: Tigers 5, Yankees 3. Valdez threw six innings, one run, and posted a 2.45 ERA in June. Cole allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings; his ERA vs Detroit is 1.84. Detroit is 12-6 in June (AL best); New York is 46-31.
Official Statements & Responses
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Valdez’s command, calling the win a “breakthrough against Cole.” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said his rotation needed rest and that Cole “has recovered well” after Tommy John surgery.
Criticism & Opposition
A Fox News analyst highlighted Valdez’s inconsistency, citing a 4.09 ERA and “allowing two or fewer runs or four or more in every game.” The analyst suggested “the play in this one is to back Cole,” skeptical of the Yankees’ rotation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Free P lists Valdez’s ERA at 3.91 and a 2.45 June ERA; Fox News reports a 4.09 ERA with a 4.94 home versus 3.59 road split. WHIP differs (1.35 per Fox News). No Hinch quotes are available, leaving the Tigers’ internal view undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s something we’ve been kicking around the last few days,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “I think he’s recovered well, too,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “He’s come up (and) he’s had some bumps,” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
- “But I feel like he’s managed it well. He’s shown some poise out there in some moments (when) it’s had chances to get away for us. Excited to see him go out (Sunday) and hopefully give us a good outing.” — Aaron Boone, Yankees manager
What’s Next
Detroit will start right-hander Casey Mize (2-4, 2.58 ERA) against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón (3-2, 3.50 ERA) in the series finale on Tuesday. The Tigers then host the Houston Astros for four games before traveling to New York for a three-game set at Yankee Stadium from June 29-July 1.
