Four minutes. That was apparently enough for Gerrit Cole to not perform at a high level, or at least that is what he says. Cole said the game starting at 1:12 instead of 1:08 was “an unforeseen challenge”.
It was Opening Day, at home no less. Makes one wonder what exactly Cole was expecting festivity wise for this event. If Cole was really concerned about Opening Day festivities throwing him off, he should have asked Aaron Boone to not start on Opening Day.
Baseball players are creatures of habit, with pitchers taking that to the next level, but Gerrit Cole blaming the three earned runs on four hits and one walk on a four minute delay is just plain ridiculous. A much better reason that Cole could have used that would have been believable is the shortened spring training/ramp up period. While it would still be viewed as an excuse by rival fanbases, it would fall more on the reason side of the spectrum than excuse for many.
Luckily for the Yankees, New York would go on to beat the Boston Red Sox in their Home Opener 6-5 in 11 innings.
