The New York Yankees (14-9) couldn’t overcome an early six-run deficit as they fell 6-4 to the Cleveland Guardians (13-9) in the series opener on Monday night at Progressive Field.
Clarke Schmidt struggled in his second start of the season, allowing five runs over four innings. After escaping early jams, Schmidt surrendered back-to-back home runs to José Ramírez and Kyle Manzardo in the third, putting New York in a 4-0 hole. He exited after throwing 80 pitches and now owns a 7.45 ERA through 9.2 innings.
Cleveland starter Gavin Williams quieted the Yankees’ bats through 6.1 innings, striking out eight. New York wasted early scoring chances with inning-ending double plays and didn’t break through until the seventh. Anthony Volpe singled, and Jasson Dominguez followed with a two-run homer to center, trimming the deficit to 6-2.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. added a spark in the eighth with a much-needed two-run blast, his seventh of the season, bringing the Yankees within two. However, Cleveland’s Cade Smith shut the door in the ninth, striking out Austin Wells and Aaron Judge with the tying run at the plate.
The Yankees finished 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, leaving seven on base.
The Yankees look to return to the win column and even the three-game series on Tuesday at 6:10 p.m. when they hand the ball to Will Warren.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].