Jake Cousins earns first save in Yankees' victory

CHICAGO — In a surprising turn of events, Jake Cousins stepped up to secure his first career save for the New York Yankees during their 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. With regular closer Clay Holmes unavailable and Tommy Kahnle struggling in the ninth inning, manager Aaron Boone called on Cousins, who was caught off guard by the late notice but ultimately thrived under the pressure. Cousins, a native of St. Charles, Illinois, expressed gratitude for the way the situation unfolded, noting that the lack of advanced warning allowed him to focus without overthinking. “I appreciate that, because the adrenaline was definitely going,” he said, highlighting the significance of the moment with family and friends in attendance. The game marked a special occasion for Cousins, who had a strong support system cheering him on. Acquired from the White Sox earlier this season, Cousins has quickly established himself as a valuable asset in the Yankees' bullpen, showcasing his ability to generate swing-and-miss pitches. His performance was crucial on Tuesday, especially after Kahnle put runners in scoring position. Boone praised Cousins for maintaining his composure and sticking to his strengths, which ultimately led to a successful conclusion of the game. Cousins' impressive outing not only solidified his role within the team but also marked a memorable milestone in his career, as he celebrated his first save in front of a hometown crowd.