Yankees beat Cubs 2-1 as José Caballero’s two-run homer proves decisive at Wrigley
José Caballero’s two-run homer and a bullpen stand-up helped the Yankees beat Cubs 2-1 at Wrigley Field, as New York took two of three in the series.
Gerrit Cole worked into the sixth inning in his 13th start since Tommy John surgery, allowing one run, and the Yankees’ relief corps blanked Chicago the final 3 1/3 innings. David Bednar closed out the game for his 24th save as New York held on in a low-scoring matchup.
Caballero ends power drought with a wind-aided drive
José Caballero snapped an 18-game homerless stretch with a two-run shot in the third inning that proved to be the difference. The right-handed batter lined a 408-foot drive to left-center, carrying against the wind to give New York a 2-0 lead. Caballero also added a single later in the game, finishing with multiple hits and the lone multihit night for the Yankees.
Cole pitches effectively but yields to bullpen in sixth
Gerrit Cole (5-5) delivered six innings of one-run ball, scattering four hits while striking out five and issuing three walks. It was his 13th start since returning from Tommy John surgery, and while he limited damage he exited with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth. The Yankees required a strong relief effort to bridge the remaining innings after Cole’s exit.
Bullpen answers with three scoreless innings
Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn and David Bednar combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings to preserve the narrow lead. Headrick retired Nico Hoerner on a deep fly to end the sixth after coming into a bases-loaded jam. Bednar entered in the eighth and worked around a ninth-inning walk to collect his 24th save, finishing the game with a flyout by Ian Happ.
Colin Rea pitches well in a tough-luck outing
Colin Rea (8-8) allowed both Yankees runs on three hits while fanning seven and walking one over his start. Rea struck out the first five New York hitters he faced, helping keep the Cubs in the game for most of the afternoon. Despite the strong strikeout total, the two-run homer and timely hits by the Yankees were enough to tilt the contest.
Cubs scratch across a run as Suzuki, Busch produce offense
Seiya Suzuki produced two hits, including a leadoff double in the fourth, and Michael Busch drove home Suzuki with a single to make it a one-run game. Those were the only runs Chicago managed, and the offense was unable to generate further opportunities against New York’s pitching staff. The Cubs threatened at times but left several runners stranded in scoring position.
Schedule updates: Dodgers and Cardinals await next
Chicago will turn to left-hander Matthew Boyd (6-1, 3.14 ERA) to open a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, while the Dodgers had not named a starter. The Yankees are scheduled to send right-hander Cam Schlittler (10-6, 2.04) to the mound in New York against Cardinals righty Michael McGreevy (4-9, 3.57) on Monday. Both clubs will look to build on positives from Sunday’s pitching performances as they head into new matchups.
New York’s series win at Wrigley was anchored by timely hitting and a confident relief group, while Chicago leaves with one victory but unanswered questions about run production. The Yankees beat Cubs 2-1 in a game that highlighted the importance of a bullpen capable of protecting a slim lead.
