Ben Rice hits 39th homer, Cole becomes winningest No. 1 draft pick as Yanks cruise past D-backs 9-2

The New York Yankees secured a 9-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night, boosted by Ben Rice's 39th home run of the season and Gerrit Cole's performance as the winningest No. 1 overall draft pick. The Yankees seized control with a five-run first inning, which proved crucial as they have now won eight times in their last ten games. Following the news that star Aaron Judge would return to the injured list due to a right calf strain, the Yankees' win extended their winning streak.

New York's opening five batters put the game away against Arizona's starting pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez, who surrendered two runs and four hits in the first six innings. George Lombard Jr.'s two-run single in the first frame, followed by Corbin Carroll's two-run homer in the second, put the Yankees ahead 6-2. Rice's solo home run in the third inning further solidified the Yankees' lead at 6-2.

Cole (9-9) rebounded from two recent starts where he allowed a combined seven homers, his most in any two-game stretch. He limited the D-backs to two runs and four hits over six innings, striking out six. Cole became the first player in the franchise's history to surpass 160 career victories since Mike Moore in 1981, while Rodriguez delivered a disappointing performance, requiring 45 pitches to record just three outs in the first inning.

As the Yankees' season finale approaches, they currently trail the Tampa Bay Rays by four games in the American League East standings with nine games remaining. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks find themselves five games behind the final National League wild card spot with eight games left to play. New York holds a four-game advantage over the Rays, who remain in contention for the postseason.

The Yankees will face RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-3, 3.77 ERA) in the next game, with Arizona preparing to send RHP Corbin Carroll (15-7, 3.68 ERA) to the mound.