The New York Yankees capped off a thrilling three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals with a 4–3 victory on Wednesday night, thanks to a clutch late-game home run from Aaron Judge and a game-saving diving catch by Cody Bellinger. This win not only extended their winning streak but also set the stage for a unique upcoming series against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field—the Yankees’ own spring training facility, now temporarily serving as the Rays’ home due to storm damage at Tropicana Field.
Judge’s Timely Power Surge
Aaron Judge, the Yankees' captain and offensive catalyst, delivered a pivotal solo home run in the seventh inning, breaking a 3–3 tie. This marked his seventh homer of the season and ended a 10-game home run drought. Judge's performance was instrumental, going 3-for-3 at the plate and reaching base four times, including an intentional walk. His batting average now stands at an impressive .409 .Reuters
Reflecting on his performance, Judge emphasized the importance of contributing in crucial moments, stating, "You always want to be in those situations. That's what you play for."
Bellinger’s Defensive Brilliance
In the bottom of the ninth, with the Royals threatening to tie or take the lead, Cody Bellinger made a spectacular diving catch in right field to secure the final out. This play preserved the win and earned Fernando Cruz his first career save .
Bellinger also contributed offensively with an RBI double earlier in the game, showcasing his all-around impact on the team's success.
Schmidt’s Return and Team Effort
Starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt made his season debut after recovering from right rotator cuff tendinitis. Despite a shaky start, he settled in to pitch 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs. Relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Fernando Cruz combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings to close out the game .
Offensively, Anthony Volpe added a two-run double, and the team's patience at the plate was evident, drawing several key walks to set up scoring opportunities.
Next Up: A Familiar Yet Unusual Road Series
The Yankees now head to Tampa to face the Rays in a series that, while technically an away set, will be played at George M. Steinbrenner Field—their own spring training home. This arrangement comes after Hurricane Milton rendered Tropicana Field unplayable, leading the Rays to temporarily relocate their home games .
Despite being the visiting team, the Yankees will have the advantage of familiarity with the ballpark, potentially turning this road series into a quasi-home advantage.
Looking Ahead
With momentum from the sweep and the unique circumstances of the upcoming series, the Yankees are poised to continue their strong start to the season. Fans can look forward to seeing how the team leverages their familiarity with Steinbrenner Field in this unconventional matchup against a division rival.
For a visual recap of the game's highlights, including Judge's home run and Bellinger's game-saving catch, check out the following videos:
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Cody Bellinger seals win with diving catch
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