Will Warren delivered one of his strongest outings of the season while Amed Rosario and Spencer Jones each homered as the New York Yankees defeated the Chicago Cubs, 2-0, on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The victory improved the Yankees to 62-48, while the Cubs fell to 62-48 as New York’s pitching staff combined on a four-hit shutout.
With the bullpen taxed after back-to-back extra-inning games, Warren gave the Yankees exactly what they needed. The right-hander retired the minimum through the first three innings, erasing an early single with a double play before striking out four of six batters during one stretch. He cruised into the seventh before allowing back-to-back two-out singles, prompting Aaron Boone to turn to Paul Blackburn. Warren finished with 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing four hits while striking out seven.
Chicago starter Shota Imanaga matched Warren early, retiring the first nine Yankees he faced with five strikeouts. New York finally broke through in the fourth when Rosario launched a two-out solo homer. Jones added another solo shot an inning later, his second home run in three games since returning to the majors, providing all the offense the Yankees would need.
Blackburn stranded both inherited runners in the seventh before striking out the side in a perfect eighth inning. David Bednar worked around a one-out single in the ninth to earn his 23rd save and complete the shutout. Jazz Chisholm Jr., who exited Thursday’s game with leg cramps, was available off the bench but did not play.
The Yankees continue their weekend series against the Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m., with Max Fried (4-3, 2.23 ERA) set to face Chicago left-hander David Peterson (6-7, 5.80 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.