Yankees vs. Royals: Gerrit Cole labors through start in Game 1 of ALDS

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole did not have his best stuff Saturday in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals.

Right off the bat in the first inning, it was clear the Royals were seeing Cole's pitches well. Though he got the Royals down in order, Michael Massey, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquatino each recorded an exit velocity over 100 mph.

Cole got through five innings, allowing seven hits, four runs (three earned), three innings and two walks while striking out four on 80 pitches.

The reigning Cy Young award winner allowed 11 hard-hit balls, including a go-ahead two-run home run to MJ Melendez in the top of the fourth inning. Cole generated just six swings and misses in his five-plus innings.

Cole used a very balanced approach in terms of his pitch selection. Of his 80 pitched, 33 were four-seam fastballs, 19 were knuckle-curves and 17 were cutters and 10 were sliders.

It's not exactly the type of outing Cole or the Yankees were hoping for even against a tough Royals lineup.

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