Today on Pinstripe Alley – 9/21/24

It didn't take long, but the Yankees did what they had to do and won the series opener in Oakland, thanks to some old-fashioned nine-inning starting pitching from Gerrit Cole. The magic number for the AL East is five, and they'll try to keep cutting that number tonight. Tonight will be a date with a friend we barely knew, as JP Sears, traded to Oakland as part of the ill-fated Frankie Montas deal, takes the ball for the Athletics against Carlos Rodón.

Today on the site, check out Nick Power's latest Reliever Confidence Index, an important exercise as the playoffs loom. Plus, Sam goes back 25 years to an Andy Pettitte win as I review Friday night's action in the AL playoff race. Meanwhile, John recalls the many memories the team made at the ballpark as the Yankees head to Oakland Coliseum for what is likely the last time.

Today’s duel:

New York Yankees at Oakland Athletics

Time: 9:07 p.m. ET

Television/Video: YES Network, NBCSCA

Radio: WFAN 660/101.9 FM

Venue: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Questions/prompts:

1. How confident are you about Carlos Rodón starting in Game 2 of the playoffs?

2. Who will ultimately win the three AL wildcard spots?