Luis Gil pitched six impressive innings in his return from a back injury, leading the New York Yankees to a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
Aaron Judge hit a double that drove in a run and later scored when Austin Wells got a two-run single, helping the Yankees score three runs in the third inning. This was New York’s first game at Wrigley Field since 2017.
Judge went 1 for 3 and had a walk, marking his 10th consecutive game without a home run—his longest stretch of the season.
The Yankees (81-60) moved to 2-2 on their six-game trip, which started with a tough series in Texas. They were just half a game behind AL East leader Baltimore before Friday’s game.
This was New York’s first shutout since August 23 against Colorado and their 12th shutout of the season.
“It was a good day,” manager Aaron Boone said.
The Cubs (72-69) lost for the third time in four games after a successful road trip that had put them in the mix for the third NL wild card spot.
“I thought Gil threw the ball well, but we got to do a better job,” manager Craig Counsell said. “No leadoff hitters on. No multiple men on base in an inning. That’s a tough formula just to score obviously.”
Chicago left-hander Jordan Wicks (2-3) gave up five hits and walked four in five innings during his second start back from a right oblique strain. The Cubs’ lineup struggled against Gil (13-6) and three relievers on a breezy afternoon.
Gil allowed Chicago’s only hit—a double by Cody Bellinger in the fourth inning—in his first big league start since August 20. The right-hander struck out seven and walked two.
“The more innings that I pitched, felt better,” Gil said through a translator. “I was feeling more comfortable, more loose on the mound. The arm was feeling good and in a good rhythm.”
