The Yankees Scored 2 Runs To Avoid a Sweep, And Aaron Judge's Rib Injury Is the REAL Problem

Okay, so the New York Yankees managed to scrape by the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 this afternoon, stopping a clean sweep right there in their own ballpark. But let's be real, even with the drama, the biggest news out of the Bronx is still Aaron Judge. That rib injury has kept him out of this whole series, and it's not just his ribs, either. His right shoulder is feeling it too. Talk about a gut punch for a star player, huh? You gotta wonder how long this is gonna hang over them.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Delivered the Drama When They Needed It

Seriously, this game could've gone sideways for the Yankees. It took until the seventh inning for them to break the tie, thanks to some clutch plays. Jazz Chisholm Jr. got things going, drawing a walk with one out against Codi Heuer. Then, dude just took off! He stole second on the first pitch to Ryan McMahon, then hustled to third when Heuer bounced a slider. McMahon, after working to a full count, softly hit a fastball into right field, and just like that, Chisholm easily scored the tie-breaking run. That's a textbook way to manufacture a run right there. McMahon wasn't just clutch with the bat, though. In the sixth, he snagged a scorching 110.5 mph liner from Jose Ramirez while dropping to his knees. What a play to kick off an inning! Max Schuemann, filling in for Judge in right field, also showed out, making a diving catch on Steven Kwan's liner in the second and a leaping grab on Brayan Rocchio in the seventh. Everyone had to step up, and they did.

Pitching Prowess and Lingering Questions

On the mound, New York's Carlos Rodon was dealing, allowing just one run on two hits over six innings. He fanned seven and walked three, marking his third straight strong outing after coming back from offseason elbow surgery. That's a good sign for their rotation, you gotta admit. For Cleveland, Slade Cecconi was just as good, giving up one run on four hits over six innings, with four strikeouts and one walk. Jose Ramirez, who had been tearing it up with consecutive three-hit games, went 1-for-4 today, though he still finished the series 7-for-13. Brent Headrick got the win for New York, stranding a runner in the seventh, and David Bednar locked down his 13th save of the season with three quick groundouts. It was a tight battle, a real pitchers' duel, but the Judge situation is still the elephant in the room for the Yankees. While the Yankees celebrate a narrow escape and fret over their superstar, our own Mariners had a tough one today. They dropped a 7-1 game against the New York Mets. Man, a tough day on both coasts for baseball fans. We know our M's can bounce back, though! Let's keep that Emerald City spirit strong and look forward to the next game!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.