NEW YORK _ The Yankees wanted Gerrit Cole for big moments just like this.
But no one could have predicted the stakes to be this high in September, against the Baltimore Orioles of all teams.
Cole came to the rescue on Friday, firing a seven-inning shutout in the first half of a pivotal doubleheader. And the Yankee bats came to life as well with three home runs in a 6-0 victory over the O's in empty Yankee Stadium.
In his best outing in pinstripes, Cole allowed just two hits and struck out nine over 114 pitches.
"Any time your ace is out there, you like him to be able to get deep in the game," manager Aaron Boone said. "In these seven-inning games, to be able to complete it is huge."
The Yankees (23-21) needed a boost after losing 15 of the previous 21 games, leaving little margin for error in the playoff chase. It is why this four-game set with the pesky Orioles (20-23) has suddenly become so important.
When the day began, New York was just 1.5 games up on Baltimore in the tight American League race.
Cole took a no-hitter into the fifth inning until giving up a clean, two-out single to Hanser Alberto. At that point, the only baserunners he allowed were on a walk and a throwing error by DJ LeMahieu.
But by then, the Yankees had already knocked out Baltimore starter Alex Cobb, who just returned from the injured list. It allowed Cole to attack the strike zone and work quickly.
"You don't really have an option," Cole said. "When you get that kind of run support, that's your job. You've got to get the ball over the plate early."
LeMahieu kicked off the party with a leadoff home run in the first inning, his second long ball in as many games.
Brett Gardner then snapped an 0-for-14 stretch a few batters later, with a two-run shot to right.
"It was good to see him get some results," Boone said. "He had really good at-bats that last game in Toronto and didn't have much to show for. To come out and hit a big home run early for us, a couple other good swings, another walk, really a good day."
Backup catcher Kyle Higashioka also joined the party with his first home run of the season. That provided more than enough support for Cole, who picked up his first win in eight starts.
"He was mixing all four pitches really well," Higashioka said. "Basically any pitch on any count."
For much of the season, Cole was victimized by the long ball. He allowed 13 home runs in his first nine starts, tied for the most in the league. But the Orioles lineup made little contact against Cole. It was a huge pick-me-up for the Yankees, who were able to save the bullpen for the nightcap.
"I just thought we had good command," Cole said. "I thought we had a lead. I thought we made smart pitches. We mixed up well. I had good stuff and finished it out this time."
