The New York Yankees defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-2 on Friday night, using a five-run first inning to establish early control.
Ben Rice homered as part of the outburst, finishing with his 39th home run of the season. George Lombard Jr. also contributed a three-RBI night, per multiple outlets. Sportsnet reported that Lombard also homered in the game.
Gerrit Cole pitched six innings, allowing two runs and striking out six. ESPN noted that the victory made Cole the winningest No. 1 overall draft pick in MLB history. Per Pinstripe Alley, Cole had allowed seven home runs across his previous two starts before Friday's outing, while Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez entered the game with a 2.62 ERA.