Gerrit Cole delivered a strong performance as the New York Yankees routed the Chicago White Sox 12-2 in a game played Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx. Cole pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits while striking out six and issuing two walks. His effort marked his best outing since returning from Tommy John surgery earlier this season.

The Yankees took an early lead when Andrew Benintendi hit a home run in the first inning, providing Cole with run support from the outset. Cole settled into a rhythm immediately after, retiring 13 consecutive batters before encountering trouble in the sixth inning. The White Sox loaded the bases with two outs, but Cole managed to escape further damage by inducing a groundout from Braden Montgomery.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Cole’s composure during that challenging frame, noting his ability to finish strong under pressure. Cole threw a total of 90 pitches, with 59 strikes, and said his command improved as the game progressed. “We kept them off balance and stayed in the strike zone well after getting a lead,” he said, while acknowledging some lapses on his walks late in the outing.

This performance was an improvement over Cole’s previous two starts, in which he had struggled with control and stamina. Coming into Tuesday, he had allowed six earned runs and 11 hits across those appearances, including a four-inning outing against the Cleveland Guardians where he described feeling “gassed” due to humidity.

Boone highlighted Cole’s aggressive approach and ability to set the tone against a powerful White Sox lineup, emphasizing the importance of his early command. “He did a really good job of setting the tone tonight against a good-hitting club with some power that can hurt you,” Boone said.

Through five starts since his return from surgery, Cole has maintained a 2.57 ERA. He expressed satisfaction with his progress, referring to the “base layers of paint” he has built throughout the season and his ability to extend his innings. “It feels pretty good. Getting some good length and been able to continue to build pitch count,” Cole stated. “Try to sharpen some stuff up while competing.”

The Yankees’ potent offense complemented Cole’s pitching, contributing to a decisive victory as New York continues to build momentum in the early portion of the season.