On Thursday night, the New York Yankees delivered a pitching masterclass at Kauffman Stadium, securing a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals and etching their names into the franchise’s history books. The win marked the Yankees’ fourth 1-0 victory of the 2025 season, a feat not accomplished since 1976, according to Katie Sharp of Stathead. With this performance, New York improved to an impressive 42-25, while the Royals fell to 34-35.
Will Warren led the charge, tossing 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and one walk while striking out four. The rookie’s poise set the tone for a dominant bullpen effort, with Tim Hill, Mark Leiter Jr., Jonathan Loaisiga, and Devin Williams combining to shut down Kansas City. Williams sealed the deal, earning his ninth save of the season.
Yankees have 4 1-0 wins this season. That’s their most in a season since 1976 (also 4).
— Katie Sharp (@SharpStats17) June 13, 2025
The Yankees’ lone run came in the eighth inning via an unusual infield play, as noted by MLB on X, where the ball never left the dirt. This gritty, small-ball approach, paired with stellar pitching, powered New York to a sweep of the Royals in a rematch of the American League Division Series.
This play to give the @Yankees the lead was WILD 😳 pic.twitter.com/7QDkCXwu0m
— MLB (@MLB) June 13, 2025
This pitching dominance is even more remarkable given the absence of key arms. Ace Gerrit Cole is sidelined for the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Luis Gil has yet to pitch due to a lat injury, and closer Luke Weaver is out with a hamstring issue. Despite these setbacks, the Yankees’ staff continues to shine.
New York now heads to Fenway Park to face the Boston Red Sox on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Yarbrough taking the mound against Garrett Crochet. If the Yankees’ pitching continues to deliver, this historic season could see even more records fall.