We had some intriguing pitching assignments early, some offensive fireworks late, and Michael Kay was particular annoying in the booth. All in all, the Yankees earned their first win of the exhibition campaign, topping the Tigers, 5-4.
It took Gerrit Cole 25 pitches to get his first swing and miss, but that was the only real concern with his outing. His fastball velocity was solid, and while his one inning felt a little like death-by-a-thousand-cuts, two of the three hits he allowed were on balls hit under 70 mph off the barrel. Toward the back half of the inning, Cole got more whiffs; I’m not worrying about a little soft contact.