Alek Manoah challenges Gerrit Cole for reaction to Aaron Judge HBP

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole was livid when Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah hit Aaron Judge with a pitch.

It was an eventful day in the Bronx on Sunday, Aug. 21. The New York Yankees retired Paul O’Neill’s No. 21 in a pre-game ceremony, and they picked up their lone win of their series against the Toronto Blue Jays by the score of 4-2. But during the game, there was a tense moment between both clubs.

Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge was plunked in the left elbow by Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah. New York’s dugout began to exit, but Judge called them back. Yankees ace Gerrit Cole was not happy about the hit-by-pitch, as he was seen yelling towards Manoah.

After the game, Manoah said that he was struggling with his sinker, and hitting Judge with the pitch was not intentional. As for Cole, Manoah challenged him, saying if he “wants to do something, he can walk past the Audi sign.”

Alek Manoah challenges Gerrit Cole, who was upset with Aaron Judge HBP

For those who are curious about “the Audi sign,” it is located by the Yankees dugout at the stadium.

Manoah pitched six full innings for Toronto, striking out eight batters and walking two while surrendering one earned run on four hits on 104 pitches.

The Blue Jays managed to tie things up 2-2 in the top of the seventh inning after Yankees pitcher Wandy Peralta issued a bases loaded walk to Jackie Bradley Jr. But in the bottom of the seventh, Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run home run to take the 4-2 lead. That was Benintendi’s first home run with the Yankees.

The next time that the Yankees and Blue Jays meet will be on Sept. 26 to start a three game series in Toronto.