ARLINGTON, Texas — In his final start of the regular season, Gerrit Cole struck out nine to break the Yankees’ single-season strikeout record — and gave up his career-high 33rd home run of the season.
He also took the loss as the Bombers fell to the Rangers 3-2 in the nightcap of the split doubleheader at Globe Life Field.
Cole’s first inning strikeout of Nathaniel Lowe was his 249th of the season, surpassing the 248 that Ron Guidry racked up in 1978. Cole finished with nine punchouts on the night and 257 on the season.
Cole now holds the single-season strikeout record for two franchises. In 2019, he set the Astros single-season record for strikeouts with 326 punchouts.
Cole allowed three runs on six hits, including the two-run homer to Leody Taveras that gave the Rangers the 3-2 lead over six innings of work. The homer came after third baseman Josh Donaldson booted Sam Huff’s ground ball, allowing him to reach on an error. That has been a frequent theme with Cole this season, giving up a home run after a mistake or call that he feels has gone against him.
Of his 33 home runs allowed this season, this was the 20th that either broke a tie or cost the Yankees a lead. It was the 12th home run Cole has allowed in his last eight starts.
Cole’s next scheduled start will take place in the American League Division Series. The Yankees will play the AL Wild Card series winner between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians.
He finished the season 13-8 on the year.
