The New York Yankees relied on their recent formula of strong starting pitching and a solid bullpen to defeat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Sunday, securing a series victory at Wrigley Field. This win came just before the team finalized a trade to acquire slugger Luis García Jr. from the Washington Nationals.
José Caballero’s two-run home run in the third inning proved to be the decisive hit. Gerrit Cole pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing one run, while relievers Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, and David Bednar combined to close out the game. Bednar earned a four-out save, helping the Yankees win the rubber game of the series.
The Yankees' starting pitching has been a consistent strength, with the last six starters combining to allow just three runs over 37 innings. Cole, specifically, allowed one run or fewer for the sixth consecutive start and the ninth time in the last 11 games, scattering four hits and striking out five. He ran into trouble in the sixth inning, loading the bases with two outs, but was relieved by Headrick, who then induced a fly-out to end the threat.
The Yankees' offense produced early runs despite a challenging start from Cubs righty Colin Rea, who struck out the first five batters he faced. Ryan McMahon led off the third inning with a single, setting the stage for Caballero’s go-ahead home run.
With the victory, the Yankees improved their record and picked up ground in the division standings, moving 2 1/2 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays. The team concluded a 6-4 road trip and returned home to face the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, an hour after the trade deadline passed. The acquisition of García Jr. is expected to bolster the Yankees' lineup as they push for a division title.