Full Breakdown
Yankees End Seven-Game Skid with Cole’s Grit and Grisham’s Return
7/5/2026, 8:38:28 AM
Cole’s Five-Inning Win Ends Losing Streak
On July 3, 2026 at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 5–2, ending a seven-game slide. Gerrit Cole pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out seven and issuing no walks. A 53-minute rain delay halted play after the third inning; Cole returned to finish the fifth despite manager Aaron Boone’s initial plan to pull him at 78 pitches. Trent Grisham opened with a leadoff homer, and Ben Rice added a two-run blast in the third. The bullpen—Headrick, Blackburn and closer David Bednar—preserved the lead.
Background and Injury Context
The Yankees entered the game 49-38 overall, four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays. Aaron Judge was on the injured list with a broken rib, and Carlos Rodón joined the IL. June produced a 12-14 record, a seven-game losing streak, and a surge in unearned runs (21 from June 20 onward). Cole’s June ERA was 6.12. Analysts linked the slump to defensive lapses and reduced offensive output.
Data & Statistics
- Final: Yankees 5, Twins 2
- Cole: 5 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 7 K, 0 BB, 88 pitches
- Rain delay: 53 minutes (third inning)
- Grisham: leadoff homer, 2 XBH, 1 RBI
- Bullpen: 2 K each from Headrick and Blackburn; Bednar earned his 17th save
Official Statements & Responses
Boone said he was “pumped to see” Cole stay after the delay and praised his willingness to “fight for it.” The team later optioned outfielder Spencer Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Criticism & Opposition
Commentators cited defensive regression, a record unearned-run stretch, and offensive decline without Judge, urging a move for Anthony Volpe to Triple-A, reinstating José Caballero at shortstop, and reassessing Boone.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Screw coming back,” — Gerrit Cole, Pitcher
- “We needed this win today. … You’ve got to do hard stuff in this league sometimes. Sometimes it’s not fun. It’s not fun to sit around for an hour and 20 minutes, throwing bullpens, but it’s what was needed. We needed a little bit more tonight and thankfully, we got it done.” — Gerrit Cole
- “I was pumped to see him go back out there and go through top of order,” — Aaron Boone, Manager
- “Once he fought for it, it was his. He finished strong.” — Aaron Boone
- “I was trying to put together good at-bats. But I was surprised. The way I was working tonight, it was as if I never left. I thought I had to fight it a little bit — get back into things.” — Trent Grisham, Outfielder
- “Nobody wants it. Nobody wishes for it. But I think it’s good for us going forward. Snapping it tonight felt good.” — Trent Grisham
What’s Next
The Yankees host the Twins on July 4 with rookie Brendan Beck starting. New York remains 49-38, trailing the Rays, while Spencer Jones begins the season in Triple-A as the front office evaluates further moves.
