Unlikely hero Pablo Reyes scores the lone run as the Yankees beat the Royals 1-0 on June 13, 2025, to complete the sweep. Read how defense dominated.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season defined by superstar moments, it was one of the unlikeliest of heroes who delivered the biggest blow on Friday. Pablo Reyes, making a rare start, sparked the game's only run as the Yankees scraped out a 1-0 victory over the Royals, completing a three-game sweep and a perfect 6-0 season record against Kansas City. It was a gritty, nail-biting win built on stellar defense and clutch pitching, the perfect appetizer before the team heads to Boston for a massive weekend series against the Red Sox.
The Royals finished the series 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position. Dominance.
Making just his second appearance since May 30, Pablo Reyes was simply supposed to give a regular a day off. Instead, he became the story. Reyes led off the eighth inning with a single, advanced on a wild sequence of plays, and scored the lone run of the contest. He also contributed a key defensive play in the seventh. Manager Aaron Boone couldn't say enough about him post-game, praising his readiness and attitude. 'That's what being a great teammate is,' Boone said. It's a sentiment echoed by veterans like Paul Goldschmidt, who noted that victories like this are a total team effort, personified by Reyes's performance.
While Reyes provided the offense, the win was truly forged by the Yankees' pitching and defense. The staff was lights-out, but the defense behind them was spectacular. The highlight reel included a stunning, Derek Jeter-esque jump throw from Anthony Volpe to rob a hit. This defensive lockdown was the story of the entire series, as the Yankees held the Royals to an unbelievable 0-for-17 with runners in scoring position over three games. That's how you win tight ballgames and complete sweeps on the road.
For the first time all season, the Yankees' starting lineup did not feature number 99. Aaron Judge was given a planned day of rest, a nod to the long season and the team's confidence in its depth. While he did make an appearance as a pinch-hitter in the eighth, he struck out, proving he's human after all. The ability to win a 1-0 game without a contribution from the captain is a massive confidence booster for the clubhouse.
The Yankees immediately boarded a flight to Boston to kick off a three-game set against their arch-rivals. The series opener pits Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) against the formidable Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35 ERA) of the Red Sox. Boston comes into this series swinging hot bats, having scored 36 runs in their last five games. The Yankees will roll out a lineup featuring Goldschmidt, Rice, Judge, and Bellinger at the top, hoping to silence the Fenway faithful.
On the injury front, there's mixed news. RHP Luke Weaver (hamstring) and RHP Luis Gil (lat strain) are both progressing through their throwing programs, with Gil potentially returning later this month or in July. However, the news is concerning for RHP Jake Cousins, who was returned from his rehab assignment with a possible UCL injury. He'll undergo further tests, and the team is holding its breath for good news.
The sweep in Kansas City was a testament to this team's depth and grit, proving they can win even without their usual offensive fireworks. But there's no time to celebrate. The bus is headed to Boston, the rivalry is waiting, and a red-hot Red Sox team is looking to play spoiler. This weekend at Fenway will be a true test of this team's mettle. Let's see if the momentum holds.
