The New York Yankees (37-23) couldn’t recover from a shaky first inning and were shut out for just the second time this season, falling 4-0 to the Cleveland Guardians (33-27) on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.
Clarke Schmidt allowed three runs in the opening frame, including a two-run home run to Angel Martínez and an RBI double to Daniel Schneemann. But after the early damage, the right-hander settled in, retiring 12 of the next 14 batters and finishing with eight strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Still, the early hole proved too steep for a quiet Yankees offense.
New York managed just five hits on the night and went 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position, stranding six men on base. Aaron Judge and Ben Rice each had two hits, but the lineup couldn’t deliver in key moments. Judge also struck out twice, including with two on to end the third inning. Anthony Volpe grounded into two double plays and finished 0-for-3.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., in his second game back from the injured list, struck out twice and reached on an error. Cody Bellinger added a ninth-inning double but was left stranded.
Out of the bullpen, Brent Headrick, Fernando Cruz, and Tim Hill combined for 3.1 innings, allowing one run. Cruz gave up a solo homer but struck out three in his return from the IL.
The Yankees (37-22) will try to take the series on Thursday night, with Max Fried set to face Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi. The first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].