Yankees falter on Gerrit Cole’s birthday against Cubs

On Gerrit Cole's 34th birthday, the Yankees faced the Cubs at Wrigley Field, where they fell short in a 2-1 loss. Cole delivered a strong performance, pitching six innings with only three hits and one walk while striking out seven batters. However, a fielding error by Gleyber Torres in the first inning allowed two unearned runs to score, which ultimately proved costly for the Yankees. Despite retiring the last 12 batters he faced, Cole's early struggles were exacerbated by the Yankees' inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Yankees managed to put runners on the corners in the second inning but could only muster a single run from a sacrifice fly by Anthony Volpe. The Cubs' pitcher, Jameson Taillon, effectively stifled the Yankees' offense, allowing just one run over six innings. The Yankees struggled with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-8 and leaving seven men on base throughout the game. In the sixth inning, the Yankees had a chance to tie the game when Giancarlo Stanton hit a deep fly ball that was misplayed by Pete Crow-Armstrong, resulting in a double. However, the Yankees could not convert this opportunity into a run, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. struck out and Anthony Rizzo grounded out to end the threat. Clay Holmes made his return to the mound after losing the closer's job earlier in the week, pitching a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts. The loss prevented the Yankees from extending their lead in the AL East, leaving them just a half-game ahead of the Orioles.