The Yankees continued their early-season momentum on Wednesday night, completing a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals with a 4-3 victory at Yankee Stadium. The win capped off a 4-2 homestand and marked the club’s second sweep of the season—both coming in three-game sets, first against Milwaukee (March 27-30) and now against Kansas City.
Wednesday’s win was New York’s third consecutive comeback victory and their fifth overall this season, reinforcing their resilience in tight games. After falling behind early, the Yankees leaned on timely hitting, a lockdown bullpen, and their usual late-game magic to edge out Kansas City once again.
Judge Delivers—Again
Aaron Judge continued his tear with another vintage performance. The captain reached base four times, going 3-for-3 with a double, a walk, and his seventh home run of the season—a go-ahead solo shot in the seventh inning that ultimately proved to be the difference. This was his second game this season where he was just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.
Judge has now reached base multiple times in nine straight games, and in 17 of his 18 games this season. He also has a hit in 15 of those 18 games. He’s hitting .409/.519/.803 with seven homers and 21 RBI in that span.
Captain Crush 🫡#ALLRISE pic.twitter.com/NWRYZ99h5P
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 17, 2025
Volpe and Bellinger Provide Support
After falling behind 3-0, the Yankees began chipping away in the third when Anthony Volpe laced a go-ahead two-run double, tying the game at three. Volpe, who now has 15 RBI on the year, has reached base in 14 of 18 games and continues to show maturity beyond his years in big spots.
Cody Bellinger followed with an RBI double of his own in the fourth to give the Yankees a 4-3 lead. Bellinger has thrived with runners in scoring position this season, now 4-for-10 with 7 RBI in such situations.
Schmidt Returns, Bullpen Shuts It Down
Making his season debut, Clarke Schmidt tossed 5.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits. Though he didn’t factor into the decision, the right-hander has now allowed three runs or fewer in 36 of his last 40 starts, dating back to May 2023.
Once Schmidt exited, the bullpen took over—and shut the door.
Mark Leiter Jr. earned the win with 1.1 scoreless innings, notching his second victory of the year. Fernando Cruz followed with a dominant two-inning save, the first of his Major League career, striking out two and keeping the Royals off the board. Cruz has now struck out 16 of the 38 batters he’s faced this year and owns a staggering 14.90 K/9.0 IP rate.
Yankees relievers have now thrown 17 consecutive scoreless innings, dating back to April 12.
Saved by the Belli
The game wasn’t without its late-game drama, and Cody Bellinger made sure it ended with a bang. With two outs in the ninth and the tying run on second, MJ Melendez smoked a line drive to right that looked destined to send the game to extras. But Bellinger, flashing his Gold Glove instincts, charged in and made a full-extension diving catch to slam the door and secure the sweep. It was a jaw-dropping play that reminded everyone just how valuable he is in the field.
Belli flop!#RepBX pic.twitter.com/jCPnfIBjGe
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 17, 2025
There is a reason he’s got gold in his glove to be able to make that catch, especially in a big moment like that — game on the line with a runner on second base,” Judge said of the play. “And to lay out there, extended out for the team, that was pretty impressive.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees will hit the road after a strong homestand, looking to carry their momentum—and red-hot offense—into the weekend for their first four-game set of the year. Fittingly, they’ll be the “visiting” team at George M. Steinbrenner Field, their spring training home and the Rays’ temporary digs. You’re welcome, Tampa. After that, they’ll swing through Cleveland for a three-game set before finally getting a well-earned day off—their first in two weeks.
