MLB/Yankees Cole Career 2,000K Touchdown 3rd Fastest in History

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole made his first start against the Orioles on Monday, reaching the 2,000K milestone but allowing five runs in five innings. Yankees reliever Aaron Judge scored the tying run off Cole in the ninth inning, and rookie Anthony Volpe hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Yankees a 6-5 victory over the Orioles.

Cole spent 278 games to complete a career 2,000K, second only to "Monster" Johnson (262 games) and Dodgers slugger Clayton Kershaw (277 games), becoming the third fastest in history.

Cole, however, did not pitch well, allowing five runs on six hits in five innings, including two solders, with three walks and only two strikeouts. "It's a very special achievement," he said after the game of reaching the milestone. "I was upset about it the whole game until Judge saved us."

Judge's 14th blast of the season was a game-tying blast, his eighth in nine games, and head coach Aaron Boone praised him, "He's the best player in the world right now, and he's always showing you why."

"This is the first time I've ever had a once-in-a-lifetime moment," said Volpe, who scored the game-winning hit with a sacrifice ball. "I really want this opportunity. I'm excited."