Gerrit Cole delivered another strong start and José Caballero provided the key swing with a two-run homer as the New York Yankees edged the Chicago Cubs, 2-1, in Sunday’s rubber match at Wrigley Field. The victory improved the Yankees to 63-49, while the Cubs fell to 63-49.
Bills overcome sloppy five-turnover game, defeat Chargers to start season 3-0 (full coverage) Cole limited Chicago to one earned run over 5.2 innings, allowing four hits while striking out five and walking three. The Cubs scratched across a run in the fourth on Michael Busch’s RBI single after Seiya Suzuki doubled, and they threatened again in the sixth after Jasson Domínguez’s errant throw allowed two runners to advance into scoring position. Cole loaded the bases with two outs before Brent Headrick entered and escaped the jam by inducing a flyout to preserve New York’s lead.
The Yankees’ offense did just enough against Cubs starter Colin Rea. Caballero broke a scoreless tie in the third by launching a two-run homer to left-center, his 11th of the season. He finished with two hits and accounted for the biggest offensive contribution on a day when the top of New York’s lineup struggled, as Trent Grisham and Ben Rice combined to go 0-for-8 with four strikeouts.
Headrick continued his outstanding season by striking out the side in a perfect seventh after escaping Cole’s jam, lowering his ERA to 1.42. Paul Blackburn navigated part of the eighth before Aaron Boone turned to David Bednar for a four-out save. Bednar worked around a walk and stolen base in the ninth before striking out Michael Conforto to record the final out.
The Yankees return home Monday to begin a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with Cam Schlittler set to face Michael McGreevy.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.