Yankees find unexpected edge in Bellinger, Will Warren on Chisholm’s big night

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The New York Yankees secured a convincing 3-0 triumph over the Athletics on Friday evening at Yankee Stadium, with Will Warren transforming early adversity into five innings of scoreless excellence. The 26-year-old right-hander battled through a demanding 36-pitch opening frame to guide New York to victory and cap June with renewed momentum.

Warren’s outing showcased his developing maturity as the Yankees’ rotation piece. After surrendering three walks and recording three strikeouts during a tumultuous first inning, he found his rhythm immediately, requiring only 39 pitches across the subsequent three frames. He finished with seven strikeouts against just two hits allowed in his 17th start of the campaign.

“It’s baseball. [That first inning] is going to happen. You try to take the positives,” the Yankees pitcher said after the win. “Sometimes I’m good at executing the corners. Tonight, I was kind of spraying the ball a little bit. So it’s like, ‘Alright, let’s throw it to the bigger part of the plate and let them put the ball in play.'”

Warren concluded June with impressive numbers, posting a 2.86 ERA across five starts spanning 28.1 innings. His 103 strikeouts pace all American League rookies while his 11.54 K/9 rate leads AL starters with at least 80 innings pitched. The Yankees rookie 38 called strikeouts also top the majors, demonstrating exceptional deception and control.

Bellinger surprises with protection for Yankees core

The Yankees offense operated efficiently, capitalizing on key opportunities rather than overwhelming volume. Jazz Chisholm Jr. opened the scoring with a second-inning solo blast, but the pivotal sequence unfolded in the third.

Following Anthony Volpe’s leadoff double, Athletics chose to intentionally walk Aaron Judge with one out. The strategic decision aimed to create a double-play possibility while avoiding baseball’s most dangerous hitter. Cody Bellinger quickly punished that approach.

The veteran Yankee left-hander roped an RBI single through the middle, extending New York’s advantage to 2-0. The hit marked his seventh RBI this season in situations immediately following Judge’s intentional walks.

“Understandable. [Judge is] the best hitter on the planet,” Bellinger said. “For me, it’s just like any other at-bat — what’s my plan and how can I execute in this situation?”

Bellinger’s execution proved flawless. He now owns a .400 average (6-for-15) with two extra-base hits when batting after Judge receives a free pass, highlighting the difficult decisions opposing teams face when navigating New York’s lineup.

The Athletics reversed course an inning later, challenging Judge with the bases loaded. Mitch Spence succeeded this time, retiring Judge on a high cutter to escape without damage.

Yankees build momentum as June concludes

Warren’s effort transcended mere statistics, representing a crucial test of mental fortitude and in-game adjustments. The rookie’s ability to rebound from an exhausting opening inning—with relievers already warming—demonstrated his evolution into a dependable rotation option.

“He’s starting to look like a guy who belongs here,” said a Yankees analyst familiar with the club’s pitching development. “He’s trusting his stuff and letting his defense back him up. That’s a big step forward.”

New York’s bullpen contributed four scoreless innings to preserve the shutout. Devin Williams notched his 11th save of the season in the ninth, anchoring a relief corps that ranks among baseball’s elite units.

The victory improved the Yankees to 47-34 overall, maintaining their AL East lead while tying Cleveland for the league’s shutout leadership with nine. Their pitching staff, strengthened by emerging talents like Warren, continues developing into a formidable asset as the offense seeks consistency entering July.

“A baseball season is full of ups and downs,” Bellinger said. “I like where we’re at. I love this group of guys… I’m excited for the future.”

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