Enhanced Box Score: Yankees 3, Cubs 0 – September 6, 2024

Domingo Germán, Rizzo Embraces Continues

In the originally scheduled series finale between the two clubs at historic Wrigleyville, Domingo Germán and the New York Yankees defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-0 on Friday, September 6, 2024. Germán threw a gem, going seven shutout innings. The 32-year-old right-hander allowed only two singles and struck out a season-high ten batters. The Cubs offense has struggled all series with only three runs scored in two games, and they didn't fare much better against Germán. Germán's outing was his longest start of the season. He has not allowed a run in his last two starts, spanning 13 innings. The Yankees have won both of those starts, and they are now 24-15 when Germán has started this season.

Rizzo Carries Hitting Burden for Yankees

The Yankees offense was led by Anthony Rizzo. The 34-year-old first baseman went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Rizzo has now homered in four of his last five games, and he has 25 home runs on the season. Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge also had hits for the Yankees, but they were otherwise quiet. The rest of the lineup went 0-for-15, and the team struck out 13 times. The Cubs had just two runners reach scoring position in the game. Patrick Wisdom singled in the third inning, but he was thrown out trying to steal second base. Nico Hoerner singled in the seventh inning, but he was stranded at first base. The Yankees bullpen threw two perfect innings to finish off the game. Lucas Luetge pitched the eighth inning, and Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth inning. With the win, the Yankees improve to 75-57 on the season. They are now one game behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East. The Cubs fall to 62-70 with the loss. They are now 13 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. What does this mean for the Yankees? The Yankees are now in a good position to make a run at the AL East title. They have a one-game lead over the Rays, and they have a favorable remaining schedule. The Yankees finish the regular season with a three-game series against the last-place Baltimore Orioles and a four-game series against the third-place Toronto Blue Jays. What does this mean for the Cubs? The Cubs are now officially out of contention for the NL Central title. They are 13 games behind the Brewers, and they have only 15 games remaining on their schedule. The Cubs will finish the regular season with a three-game series against the second-place St. Louis Cardinals and a three-game series against the fourth-place Pittsburgh Pirates.