Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole may have been the object of a viral celebration by Josh Naylor in Game 4 of the ALDS on Sunday, but he managed to get the last laugh over the Guardians designated hitter.
The celebration in question occurred in the bottom of the fourth, when Naylor hit a solo home run off Cole to get Cleveland within a run of New York, 3-2. As he rounded the bases, he rocked his arms back and forth at Cole, calling him his “son” — a contemptuous term he has for pitchers.
The @CLEGuardians are climbing back, they only trail by 1. #Postseason pic.twitter.com/NhnjfM3APH
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2022
Naylor’s shot failed to spark a comeback, however, and ended up being the last run of the game for Cleveland. The Yankees won 4-2 to send the ALDS back to New York in a winner-takes-all Game 5 on Monday.
MORE: Why Josh Naylor ‘rocked the baby’ after home run off Gerrit Cole
Asked about the celebration after the game, Cole shrugged it off as “cute,” saying he was only made aware of it after the fact. He said he wouldn’t have been bothered in the moment had he seen it. That said, he wasn’t exactly lighthearted when facing the question:
Gerrit Cole was asked about Josh Naylor’s celebration:
“Yeah, whatever. It’s cute… I didn’t see it in the moment. It wouldn’t have bothered in the moment and it just is kind of funny.” pic.twitter.com/JQy9DfgJk9
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 17, 2022
Cole was credited with the win after pitching seven innings while surrendering two runs on six hits. Naylor finished 1 for 4 at the plate, grounding out to shortstop and to second on his ensuing two at-bats after the homer.
The Yankees and Guardians will conclude the ALDS on Monday; the winner will advance to the AL Championship Series against the Astros.