Gerrit Cole outpointed Jordan Lyles in the duel of veteran right-handers and the New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 on Wednesday to ensure they had nine winning series in a row.
Gleyber Torres hit an RBI double and scored on a three-run rally in the first inning, leading the Yankees to their 21st victory in 24 games, including nine of their last 10.
New York has started the season with a 28-9 record, tied for the second best in the Major Leagues since 1948. The most outstanding in history is that of the Detroit Tigers, who in 1984 had a record of 32-5 .
The Yankees will attempt to complete a four-game sweep of bottom-ranked Baltimore on Thursday afternoon. The Orioles, who have lost six straight, are the only team to win a series against the Yankees this season, taking two of three in mid-April.
Cole (4-0) worked seven chapters, in which he allowed two runs and six hits, in addition to prescribing five strikeouts. Clay Holmes handled the final two innings for his third career save, all this season and against Baltimore.
Lyles (2-4) gave up three runs — two earned — and five hits in seven innings, with eight strikeouts, including three to Joey Gallo.
For the Yankees, the Venezuelans Torres 4-1 with a run scored and an RBI, Marwin González 3-1.
For the Orioles, Venezuelans Anthony Santander 4-0, Rougned Odor 4-1. The Mexican Ramón Urías 4-0. Dominican Jorge Mateo 3-0.
