Yankees sweep Royals 1-0 on June 12 with a run by Pablo Reyes and a combined shutout. Now, they take their momentum to Boston for a heated rivalry showdown.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's nothing quite like heading into a Red Sox series with a full head of steam. Fresh off a gritty four-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals, the New York Yankees (42-25) are bringing their major-league-best road record to Fenway Park tonight. The series-clinching 1-0 win was a masterclass in tension, decided not by a towering home run, but by a mad dash to the plate that perfectly encapsulates this team's will to win.
It was wild. I just saw the ball get away and I knew I had to go. That's just how we play.
Last night's game was a nail-biter from start to finish. The hero wasn't a slugger, but infielder Pablo Reyes, whose aggressive baserunning in the eighth inning forced a throwing error that allowed him to score the game's only run. Reyes himself called the play 'wild,' a testament to the heads-up, opportunistic style the Yankees have embraced. But the run wouldn't have mattered without the lights-out pitching. Will Warren and four relievers combined for a five-hit shutout, with Devin Williams locking down his ninth save in a flawless ninth. It was a complete team win that showed this squad can manufacture victories in any way possible.
Now, the focus shifts to the ancient rivalry. The Yankees, leading the AL East, will send lefty Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) to the mound against Boston's formidable Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35 ERA). With the best road record in baseball (21-13), the Yanks are poised to make a statement in enemy territory. A series win at Fenway would not only be sweet for the fans but would further solidify their position atop the division.
While the on-field product is thriving, the training room remains busy. The news is mixed: Luke Weaver (hamstring) and Luis Gil (lat strain) are both progressing well in their throwing programs, a positive sign for the pitching depth. However, the update on reliever Jake Cousins is concerning, as he was shut down from his rehab assignment with a potential UCL injury. On the bright side, a key reinforcement is getting closer. Veteran DJ LeMahieu is continuing his rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset this weekend. His steady bat and glove would be a massive boost upon his return.
The Yankees enter this crucial series against the Red Sox playing their best baseball of the season. They're finding ways to win, getting contributions from everyone, and showing incredible grit. The challenge now is to maintain that energy at Fenway while navigating some significant pitching injuries. This weekend isn't just another series; it's a test of resilience and a chance to put a stamp on the first half of the season. Get ready, folks, it's Yankees-Red Sox.
