Goldschmidt Powers Yankees Past Red Sox in AL East Showdown

The New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 1-0 Friday night in the opening game of a four-game series with significant playoff implications for both franchises. Paul Goldschmidt provided the game’s only run with a solo home run in the third inning, while the Yankees’ defense made a critical play in the seventh to preserve the shutout.

Right-hander Cam Schlittler delivered a dominant performance for New York, allowing just two hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out eight batters. The Massachusetts native walked five hitters—matching his career high—but managed to escape trouble repeatedly as Boston went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners stranded on base.

In a tense seventh inning, Cody Bellinger’s throw from left field cut down Ceddanne Rafaela attempting to score on Willson Contreras’ fly ball, ending the threat with runners at second and third and one out. The play proved decisive in the low-scoring contest.

The victory moved the Yankees three games ahead of Boston in the race for the top American League wild card, though they remain four games behind first-place Tampa Bay in the AL East standings. Schlittler improved to 3-1 with a 0.56 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 32 1/3 career innings against the Red Sox, including postseason play.

Patrick Sandoval (1-3) took the loss for Boston. Paul Blackburn pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning, and David Bednar earned his 31st save with a perfect ninth. The teams will play a day-night doubleheader Saturday to make up a June 6 rainout, with Max Fried and Carlos Rodón starting for the Yankees and Jake Bennett taking the ball for Boston’s opener.