Clarke Schmidt pitched for 6 2/3 innings, allowing only five hits. Anthony Rizzo hit a home run and brought in two runs, helping the New York Yankees secure a 2-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Schmidt, with a record of 4-1, struck out six batters and walked two, continuing his streak of allowing three or fewer runs in all eight starts this season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Schmidt’s performance, noting his sharpness throughout the game.
Schmidt’s strong performance was matched by a tense ninth inning for Yankees closer Clay Holmes.
Despite walking two batters and allowing a single, Holmes struck out the final batter to secure his 12th save of the season and seal the win for the Yankees.
Rizzo contributed to the victory with an RBI single in the fourth inning and a solo home run in the ninth, highlighting the Yankees’ offensive efforts.
Taj Bradley, making his season debut for the Rays after recovering from an injury, pitched six innings, allowing one run and striking out seven batters.
