Yankees blank Red Sox in series opener
Yankees Edge Red Sox 1‑0 in First Game of Four‑Game Series
New York, NY – In a tightly contested opener of a four‑game slate against the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees prevailed 1‑0 on Friday night, extending their winning streak in a matchup that has become a focal point in the American League East and wild‑card race.
The sole run for New York came early in the third inning when first‑baseman Paul Goldschmidt launched a 430‑foot home run to left‑field off Red Sox starter Patrick Sandoval, who posted a 1‑3 record after the outing. Goldschmidt, batting leadoff for the Yankees, was the catalyst in a game that would hinge on pitching and defense.
Red Sox right‑hander Cam Schlittler, who grew up in Walpole, Massachusetts, gave the Yankees a scare early. He retired 20 of 23 batters in 5 ⅔ innings, striking out eight and allowing only two hits. However, Schlittler walked five, a career high, and the Sox’s offense went 1‑7 with runners in scoring position, stranding ten runners overall. The only run that scored came before Schlittler was on the mound, and the Sox were unable to recover.
Boston’s early damage was capped by a baserunning misstep in the fifth inning. Outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela was doubled off first base after Wilyer Abreu lined out to center field, a move that left the Sox with the cleanup hitter, Willson Contreras, on deck. The error contributed to the Sox’s inability to mount a comeback.
The Yankees’ defense shone late in the game. In the seventh inning, with runners at second and third and one out, Boston’s Rafael (singled) and Abreu (doubled) put pressure on the Yankees. Left‑fielder Cody Bellinger cut down the potential tying run at home plate with a 99.7‑mph throw, preserving the Yankees’ advantage. Reliever Paul Blackburn followed with a flawless 1‑2‑3 eighth, and closer David Bednar secured his 31st save by pitching a perfect ninth.
The Yankees have remained four games behind first‑place Tampa Bay in the AL East, but the 1‑0 win moved them three spots ahead of the Sox in the race for the top American‑League wild‑card spot. The victory also gives the Yankees a chance to secure home‑field advantage should they meet Boston in a best‑of‑three postseason series.
The series carries an extra layer of history. Last year, Schlittler, in his rookie season, delivered a dominant Game 3 performance against the Yankees, propelling New York to a sweep of Boston. That game remains a memorable moment in the rivalry. Schlittler, who currently leads the league with a 2.09 ERA, has an impressive record against the Sox, going 3‑1 with a 0.56 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 32 ⅓ innings in five career starts.
Looking ahead, the Yankees and Red Sox will resume play with a day‑night doubleheader on Saturday to make up for a rainout on June 6. The early game will feature Yankees’ left‑hander Max Fried, who is returning from the injured list, while the evening game will see Carlos Rodón on the mound. The Red Sox will start rookie left‑hander Jake Bennett in the opener, with the Game 2 starter yet to be announced.
The 1‑0 scoreline underscores the importance of pitching and defense in a season where small margins can dictate playoff fate. As the Yankees and Red Sox continue their battle, both teams will look to maintain momentum and capitalize on each opportunity that comes their way.
