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Five-run second gives Yankees all they need<\/h2>\n
The tone was set early, and it was loud. New York erupted in the second inning, tagging Royals starter Kris Bubic \u2014 who entered with the American League\u2019s best ERA \u2014 for five brutal runs.<\/p>\n
By the time Bubic caught his breath, the damage was done. The Yankees showed no mercy, stacking hits and capitalizing on mistakes, forcing Kansas City into a corner from which they never truly escaped.<\/p>\n
It was the kind of inning that feels like a statement: this team isn\u2019t just good, it\u2019s relentless. And behind that early offensive burst, Schmidt took full control.<\/p>\n
Clarke Schmidt shows growth and grit<\/h2>\n
Schmidt looked like a man on a mission. With six scoreless innings, seven strikeouts, and just two hits allowed, the 29-year-old right-hander continued his recent stretch of dominance.<\/p>\n
He was surgical on the mound, carving through Kansas City\u2019s order like a veteran with playoff poise. Schmidt\u2019s ERA now sits at 3.60 on the season, but more impressively, he\u2019s posted a 2.90 ERA over his last seven starts.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the kind of stretch that forces fans \u2014 and maybe even the front office \u2014 to rethink expectations. Schmidt is no longer just filling innings. He\u2019s earning them.<\/p>\n
Aaron Judge continues chase for greatness<\/h2>\n
Even when he doesn\u2019t have his best swing, Aaron Judge still manages to steal the spotlight. He struck out twice Wednesday, but\u00a0his 25th home run of the year electrified the Yankees\u2019 dugout.<\/p>\n