On one of his best starts of his career, Clarke Schmidt pitched 6 ²/₃ shutout innings in the Yankees’ 2-0 win over the Rays. With just a one-run lead, Schmidt avoided the third-time-through-the-order trouble that had cost him in previous outings and kept the Rays at bay. He allowed just five singles, walked two, and struck out six in an impressive performance. Anthony Rizzo contributed an insurance run with a home run in the ninth inning, leading the Yankees to their sixth win in their last seven games.
Nick Burdi, Luke Weaver, and Clay Holmes combined in relief of Schmidt to secure the shutout win. Holmes faced some trouble in the ninth inning, loading the bases with two walks and a single, but managed to strike out the final batter to end the game. Schmidt had been consistent and solid in his previous starts, pitching into the fifth or sixth inning while giving up three or fewer runs each time. However, he took his game to the next level in this outing, cruising through the first five innings with just 67 pitches.
In the sixth inning, with Burdi warming in the bullpen, Schmidt picked off Randy Arozarena at first base to help himself out and get out of the inning with minimal damage. He faced only his third three-ball count of the night in the seventh inning, walking the leadoff man before getting two outs and handing the ball over to Burdi. A strong defensive play by Jose Trevino, throwing out a base stealer, helped extinguish the threat and preserve the shutout.
The Yankees struggled against pitcher Taj Bradley in the early innings before mounting a rally in the fourth. Aaron Judge drew a walk and Giancarlo Stanton hit a single to put runners on the corners, setting the stage for Rizzo to bring the first run home with a single. Schmidt’s performance on the mound combined with timely hitting and solid relief pitching led the Yankees to a hard-fought victory over the Rays at Tropicana Field, extending their recent run of success. With the offense rolling and the pitching staff delivering strong outings, the Yankees look poised for continued success as they push towards the postseason.
