Yankees 1-0 Royals: A quiet but big win for New York

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New York Yankees 1-0 Kansas City Royals

With Aaron Judge sidelined for rest and threatening weather overhead, the New York Yankees ground out a taut 1-0 triumph over the Kansas City Royals Thursday evening at Kauffman Stadium to secure a season sweep and claim their MLB-leading fourth 1-0 victory this year.

Powered by rookie right-hander Will Warren’s resurgent performance, clutch late-inning execution, and brilliant infield defense, the Yankees advanced to 42-25 while completing a flawless 6-0 record against Kansas City in 2025.

Warren Finds His Groove in Critical Start

Will Warren, burned by recent control problems, recaptured his effectiveness in a pivotal outing. The 25-year-old navigated through early traffic, including a fifth-inning one-out triple, yet still managed 5.2 shutout frames while scattering four hits. He departed following a 28-minute rain interruption and a one-out walk in the sixth but delivered the quality start the rotation desperately needed.

Manager Aaron Boone praised Warren’s performance afterward, noting it represented the type of competitive effort they’d been anticipating from him, highlighting his ability to attack the strike zone and maintain composure following the weather delay.

Stellar Defense Rescues Pitching Staff

The contest’s pivotal sequences unfolded defensively. During the seventh inning, Anthony Volpe executed a dazzling off-balance throw from deep shortstop to retire Salvador Perez, while Pablo Reyes followed by charging a slow grounder and delivering a glove-side flip to first base, eliminating Jac Caglianone. Both plays maintained the scoreless deadlock and showcased New York’s infield athleticism.

Reyes, who subsequently scored the game’s lone run, earned game MVP recognition for his defensive brilliance and intelligent baserunning.

Reyes Provides Game-Winning Heroics

The Yankees’ attack struggled throughout most of the evening against Royals starter Seth Lugo, who prevented any hits until the sixth frame. However, after Reyes reached base and Paul Goldschmidt lined a ball off the first baseman’s glove, a hurried throw home from Royals catcher Freddy Fermin enabled Reyes to cross the plate with the decisive run in the seventh.

Reyes acknowledged afterward that while the sequence wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, it accomplished the objective, emphasizing that teams must capitalize on runs however they materialize in such tight contests.

Williams Secures Final Frame

Jonathan Loáisiga worked a spotless eighth before Devin Williams, continuing his rehabilitation process, sealed the ninth for his ninth save. After nearly losing his bullpen position earlier this season, Williams has found stability and performed when summoned — now including three consecutive saves.

Aaron Judge, who sat out for his first time this season, appeared as a pinch-hitter in the eighth but was called out on a questionable strike at the bottom of the zone.

Reserves Excel in Close Battle

Catcher J.C. Escarra earned the starting assignment behind the plate and impressed, finishing 2-for-4 including a ninth-inning double. His solid pitch framing also assisted Warren in earning several crucial strikes early. The Yankees’ organizational depth, from Escarra’s timely contributions to Reyes’ comprehensive impact, was prominently displayed.

Key Stat

This marked the Yankees’ fourth 1-0 victory this season — leading all major league teams — and their third shutout across the previous eight games. The Bombers’ pitching staff entered the day sporting a 3.14 team ERA, ranking second in the AL behind Seattle.

Yankees roster

Up Next: Red Sox Await

Friday, June 6 — Fenway Park, Boston

Yankees starter: LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA)
Red Sox starter: LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35 ERA)
First pitch: 7:10 p.m. EDT

The Yankees begin a crucial three-game series in Boston on Friday evening. With first place in the AL East securely held, New York seeks to maintain momentum behind the reliable Yarbrough as they confront a rejuvenated Red Sox squad featuring hard-throwing Crochet.

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