CLEVELAND — (AP) Gerrit Cole was one pitch better than Shane Bieber in a heavyweight matchup of aces as Rougned Odor and Aaron Hicks homered off Cleveland's Cy Young winner in the fifth inning, giving the New York Yankees a 2-1 win over the Indians.
Cole struck out 11 and allowed just four hits in seven innings to beat Bieber in a rematch of their meeting in last year's playoffs. Cole's 50 strikeouts in his first five starts are the most for any pitcher in New York's (9-11) storied history.
Bieber tied Hall of Famer Randy Johnson's record with eight strikeouts in 17 consecutive starts, but couldn't hold an early 1-0 lead and allowed both home runs in the fifth inning. An RBI single by Eddie Rosario provided the Tribe's (8-11) only run.
The Yankees will try to sweep the four-game series Sunday behind the pitching of Jameson Taillon (0-1, 5.40 ERA). The Indians, in desperate need of a win after dropping six of their last seven, will counter with Triston McKenzie (0-0, 3.55).
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