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

PHOENIX (AP) — Ben Rice delivered his 39th homer of the season, while Gerrit Cole became the winningest 1st overall draft pick as the New York Yankees dominated the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-2 on Friday night. The Yankees secured a crucial five-run first inning, setting the tone for a dominant win. After Aaron Judge's return to the injured list, the Yankees claimed victory for the eighth time in their last ten games.

With a playoff spot already secured, New York trails the Tampa Bay Rays by four games in the AL East with nine games remaining. The Diamondbacks, struggling with three straight losses, are five games behind the final NL wild card with eight games left on the season.

The Yankees' bats ignited early, as their first five hitters connected against Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez. George Lombard Jr.'s two-run single and a solo homer from George Lombard Jr. propelled the Yankees to a 5-0 lead. Cole, making his comeback after two starts where he surrendered seven homers, performed well, allowing two runs and four hits over six innings while striking out six.

Selected by Pittsburgh in 2011, Cole secured his 162nd career win, surpassing Mike Moore's record of 161 wins, achieved when he was drafted first overall by Seattle in 1981.

Rodriguez struggled in the early innings, giving up seven runs, five hits, and four walks in 5 1/3 innings. In the second inning, Corbin Carroll added a two-run homer, making it 5-2. Ben Rice's solo homer in the third inning pushed the Yankees ahead 6-2. The Diamondbacks countered with Brandon Pfaadt, who took the mound, while the Yankees countered with Cam Schlittler, who is slated to start Saturday night.