Heroes, zeros and the full inside pitch from the Yankees’ 3-1 series-clinching win over the Royals in Game 4 of the ALDS on Thursday night in Kansas City, Mo.
Hero
Gerrit Cole returned to his ace form after a rocky Game 1 outing.
He allowed just one run over seven innings.
Zero
Easy as 4-5-6. That part of Kansas City’s order — Salvador Perez, Yuli Gurriel and MJ Melendez — went a combined 0-for-11 in the loss.
Unsung hero
Gleyber Torres didn’t just start the game with a double and score in the first, he played peacemaker in the bottom of the sixth after the benches cleared with the Yankees up by two runs.
Any potential ejection could have hurt the Yankees.
Key stat
12 Years ago was the last time the Yankees faced a team other than the Astros in the ALCS, when they lost to the Tigers in 2012.
Detroit could be their opponent again if it beats Cleveland on Saturday in their ALDS.
Quote of the Night
“It’s going to definitely be a fun time in New York,”
— Aaron Judge on the fact that the Yankees and Mets are in their respective league championship series.
