Yankees 2-0 Cubs: New York blanks Chicago again, Schmidt and Cortes lead the charge

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New York Yankees 2-0 Chicago Cubs

Behind a strong pitching performance from Clarke Schmidt and Nestor Cortes, the Yankees secured a 2-0 win against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field, clinching a series victory. It marked their second consecutive shutout of the Cubs, and Schmidt’s first outing since May 26, following a lengthy stint on the injured list due to a lat injury.

Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes combine to shut out Cubs as Yankees secure series victory

Schmidt was impressive in his return, tossing 4.2 innings, allowing just four hits, and striking out two. His season ERA now sits at a remarkable 2.34, reinforcing his case for a crucial role in the Yankees’ rotation come October. Schmidt was limited to 75 pitches but showed no signs of rust in his first game back.

Nestor Cortes took over for Schmidt and was equally dominant in relief. The southpaw pitched 4.1 shutout innings, allowing no hits, walking just one batter, and striking out three. With Schmidt returning to the rotation, Cortes may find himself as a versatile weapon out of the bullpen down the stretch.

Offensively, the Yankees didn’t need much to back their pitchers, but they capitalized on opportunities. Austin Wells opened the scoring in the first inning with an RBI groundout off Cubs starter Javier Assad. In the sixth inning, Aaron Judge scored after stealing third base, taking advantage of an errant throw by Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt that sailed down the left-field line.

The Cubs struggled to break through offensively, despite Schmidt allowing leadoff baserunners in multiple innings. Austin Wells proved pivotal behind the plate, throwing out two would-be base stealers, including one in the fifth to thwart a potential Cubs rally.

Aaron Boone, looking for a different closer than usual, opted to leave Cortes in to finish the game. Cortes, who may be forced into a relief role as the Yankees’ rotation heals, retired the Cubs in order in the ninth to secure the victory.

With Schmidt’s successful return, the Yankees’ rotation appears to be shaping up just in time for the postseason. Luis Gil, who threw six innings of one-hit ball the night before, also made a strong case to remain in the starting five.

Yankees roster

Up next

The Yankees will look to complete the sweep on Sunday when ace Gerrit Cole takes the mound. He’ll be opposed by former Yankee Jameson Taillon, now with the Cubs, as the Bombers aim to continue their momentum on the road.

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