With two thrilling victories for the Angels to begin this series against the Yankees, a late Wednesday afternoon showdown before an off-day Thursday would tell the tale if a sweep and .500 record could be celebrated on the first day of September. However, dominant pitching by ace Gerrit Cole would prove too much as the Yankees salvaged the series finale at the Big A by the final of 4-1.
Right off the bat, an intriguing pitching matchup brewed as rookie Packy Naughton made his first career start against AL Cy Young candidate Gerrit Cole. Naughton, who is the 15th different Angel to start a game this season, got off to a great start by inducing a double play off the bat of Anthony Rizzo in the first inning and recording consecutive strikeouts of Kyle Higashioka and Rougned Odor to end the second frame.