The New York Yankees (58-45) leaned on a dominant outing from Cam Schlittler to edge the Philadelphia Phillies (56-48), 1-0, on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. Bouncing back from his shortest start in weeks, Schlittler carried a three-hit shutout into the eighth inning while Paul Goldschmidt supplied the game’s only offense with a solo home run as the Yankees opened the series with a statement victory.
Schlittler was in complete command from the outset, overpowering Philadelphia’s lineup with a season-high 12 strikeouts over 7.1 innings. The right-hander allowed just three hits and hit one batter while throwing 68 of his 99 pitches for strikes. After J.T. Realmuto’s single and a hit batter ended his night in the eighth, Brent Headrick escaped a bases-loaded jam by inducing a lineout and a groundout to preserve the slim lead.
Goldschmidt accounted for the lone run when he launched his 16th home run of the season to lead off the fourth inning against Phillies left-hander Jesús Luzardo. The veteran’s blast proved enough support for Schlittler, despite Luzardo matching him with seven strong innings, allowing only three hits while striking out nine. New York’s offense managed just three hits but made the most of its limited opportunities.
David Bednar closed the door in the ninth, striking out Bryce Harper before Cody Bellinger made a leaping grab in left field to retire Brandon Marsh. Alec Bohm grounded out to end the game, giving Bednar his 19th save and sealing the Yankees’ shutout victory.
The Yankees continue their three-game series against the Phillies on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Ryan Weathers (3-7, 4.40 ERA) is slated to start for New York, while Philadelphia has not yet announced its starting pitcher.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.