Yankees Bounce Back with a Win Against Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — After a rough outing on Monday, the Yankees turned things around on Tuesday, showing improvement, although still not perfect.

Spencer Jones shone again, hitting his second home run in as many games, reaching base four times, and driving in three runs. He’s definitely making a strong case for more playing time, even when the team is at full strength.

Then there was Jazz Chisholm Jr., who followed Jones with a home run in the first inning and ended the night with three hits. His recent performance sparks some optimism about maintaining this momentum as the season winds down.

Gerrit Cole, playing close to home, continued his solid performance, looking back to his usual form before the bullpen stepped in to help finish the game. The Yankees had some missed opportunities for an even bigger lead, but they still managed a 7-3 victory over the struggling Angels at Angel Stadium.

“Getting on the scoreboard early is crucial, especially after a loss. It really helps the team to play with a lead,” Jones remarked.

After a decidedly poor showing in Monday’s 10-1 loss, the Yankees (79-60) began the final month of the regular season still 4 ½ games behind the Rays in the division and now four games ahead of the Red Sox for the top AL wild card spot.

Cole’s night took a turn in the sixth inning when he allowed a two-run triple to Christian Moore, narrowing the score to 4-3 in favor of the Yankees. However, Brent Headrick came in and managed to keep the tying run from scoring.

Late in the game, the Yankees built on their lead, thanks in part to Jones’ second walk and Chisholm’s third hit. Trent Grisham, who has been struggling, managed a single to extend their lead to 5-3 against lefty reliever Samy Natera Jr.

“Everyone contributed tonight,” manager Aaron Boone commented after the game.

With Paul Goldschmidt adding a pinch-hit sacrifice fly, Jones capped the scoring at 7-3 in the ninth with a single that brought in Cody Bellinger, who had a solid game with three hits.

“Jones is a fantastic player and a great kid,” Chisholm said, praising Jones, who has been batting .348 with a 1.044 OPS over his last 15 games. “We all knew he had it in him, and now he’s finally getting his chance. I’m thrilled for him.”

The late-inning runs allowed Boone to bring in new reliever John Schreiber for the ninth, marking his major league debut, and he closed the game with a clean inning.

Cole, who has a solid track record at Angel Stadium, entered with a 2.41 ERA over six career starts there. He had grown up attending games nearby, making the outing feel even more significant.

This time around, Cole has come back strong after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He now boasts a 3.29 ERA after 18 starts since the surgery, appearing ready for the upcoming playoff push.

“I’m really excited for him and Carlos [Rodón] and the entire pitching staff. They’re peaking just in time for the playoffs,” said superagent Scott Boras, noting that both Cole and Rodón are fresh and veteran pitchers, giving the Yankees an edge that few teams have.