August 26, 2025

“Baby Cole” Cam Schlittler Shines as Yankees Power Past Nationals with Rice, Domínguez, and Chisholm Homers

Yankees

“Baby Cole” Cam Schlittler Shines as Yankees Power Past Nationals with Rice, Domínguez, and Chisholm Homers

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In a commanding 10-5 victory over the Washington Nationals at Yankee Stadium on Monday night, the New York Yankees showcased their offensive firepower, backed by an exceptional performance from rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler. The 24-year-old right-hander delivered six scoreless innings, continuing his impressive run and proving to be the cornerstone of the Yankees’ triumph. Supported by long balls from Ben Rice, Jasson Domínguez, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., along with a strong showing from Cody Bellinger, the Yankees improved to 71-60, maintaining their push in the American League playoff race.

Schlittler’s Stellar Outing

Cam Schlittler, making just his fourth start of the season, was the story of the night. Fresh off a near-perfect game against Tampa Bay the previous week, where he carried a perfect game into the seventh inning, Schlittler continued his dominance against the Nationals. The rookie allowed just four hits and three walks while striking out eight over six innings, throwing 96 pitches, 63 for strikes. His ability to navigate high-pressure situations, particularly in the fourth inning, underscored his poise and potential as a future cornerstone of the Yankees’ rotation.

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The fourth inning provided Schlittler’s defining moment. With runners on first and third and one out, he induced a pop-out from Riley Adams. Then, in a critical play, first baseman Ben Rice threw out Josh Bell attempting to steal second, catching CJ Abrams off guard as he broke for home from third. The double play ended the threat, preserving Schlittler’s shutout and energizing the Yankee Stadium crowd of 38,972.

Schlittler’s performance extended his scoreless streak to 14 1/3 innings, dating back to August 13. His 2.76 ERA and 1.30 WHIP reflect a pitcher growing in confidence, with a fastball-curveball combination that kept Nationals hitters off balance. “He’s got that calm presence out there,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said postgame. “For a young guy, he’s showing he can handle big moments. That’s exciting for us.”

Offensive Explosion: Rice, Domínguez, and Chisholm Power Up

While Schlittler controlled the mound, the Yankees’ bats erupted against Nationals starter Brad Lord (4-7). Ben Rice, the rookie catcher, set the tone early with a 435-foot solo home run to right field in the third inning, the longest of his career. The blast, his 21st of the season, gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead and highlighted Rice’s growing power at the plate. Rice finished 1-for-3 with two walks, scoring twice and adding an RBI, while his defensive contribution in the fourth inning proved equally vital.

The fifth inning was where the Yankees broke the game open. Lord, who struggled to find his rhythm, allowed a single to José Caballero and another to Trent Grisham before Aaron Judge doubled to right, scoring Caballero and advancing Grisham to third. Cody Bellinger followed with a two-run single, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. capped the outburst with a two-run homer to right, his third in two games and 25th of the season—a career high. The five-run inning chased Lord, who surrendered seven runs (six earned) on eight hits over 4 1/3 innings, with five strikeouts and two walks.

Jasson Domínguez added to the offensive onslaught in the seventh, launching a three-run homer—his first since July 23—off reliever Cole Henry. The blast, which scored Paul Goldschmidt and Chisholm, pushed the Yankees’ lead to 10-0 and put the game out of reach. Domínguez’s homer was a reminder of his potential as a cornerstone outfielder, while Chisholm’s multi-hit night and continued power surge underscored his importance to the lineup.

Bellinger, meanwhile, was a steady force, finishing 2-for-3 with three RBIs, including a sacrifice fly in the first that scored Rice. His ability to drive in runs in multiple situations kept the pressure on Washington’s pitching staff. Goldschmidt also contributed with a 2-for-4 night, including a double, while Grisham added two hits and a run scored.

Nationals’ Late Rally Falls Short

The Nationals, now 53-78, were stifled by Schlittler for most of the game but mounted a late rally in the ninth against reliever Yerry De Los Santos and Mark Leiter. With two outs, Robert Hassell III drew a bases-loaded walk, and Jacob Young followed with a grand slam off Leiter, cutting the deficit to 10-5. The outburst came too late, however, as the Yankees’ bullpen closed the door. Young’s homer was the lone bright spot for Washington, which managed nine hits but left 11 runners on base.

Nationals hitters struggled against Schlittler’s command and ability to mix pitches. James Wood and Luis Garcia each had two hits, but the heart of the order—CJ Abrams, Josh Bell, and Riley Adams—went a combined 3-for-11 with no RBIs. Bell was caught stealing in the fourth, and Abrams’ throwing error in the third allowed Bellinger to reach second, contributing to New York’s early momentum.

Strategic Moves and Defensive Highlights

The Yankees’ decision to rest shortstop Anthony Volpe for a second straight game paid dividends. Volpe, hitting just .160 with 10 errors since June 15, was replaced by José Caballero, who went 1-for-4 and scored a run. The Yankees improved to 13-9 since 2023 in games not started by Volpe, suggesting depth at the position. Caballero’s speed and defensive reliability complemented the team’s overall effort, which included two double plays turned by the infield.

Defensively, the Yankees were flawless, committing no errors while capitalizing on Washington’s miscues. Abrams’ throwing error in the third and a passed ball in the first aided New York’s cause, while Rice’s throw to nab Bell in the fourth was a game-changer. The Nationals, by contrast, struggled defensively, with Abrams’ error proving costly.

Schlittler’s Emergence in Context

Schlittler’s performance is particularly significant for a Yankees team navigating a season of highs and lows. With a 71-60 record, New York remains in contention for the AL East crown and a playoff spot, but their rotation has been inconsistent at times. Schlittler, a fifth-round pick in 2022, is emerging as a potential stabilizer. His ability to pitch deep into games—six innings in this outing—eases the burden on a bullpen that has been heavily taxed. His eight strikeouts tied a career high, and his ability to limit damage with runners on base suggests a maturity beyond his years.

“Cam’s giving us a chance to win every time he’s out there,” Bellinger said. “He’s got that bulldog mentality, and it’s fun to play behind him.”

Looking Ahead

The Yankees will look to build on this win in the series’ second game, with right-hander Luis Gil (1-1, 4.26 ERA) facing off against Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore (5-12, 4.11 ERA) on Tuesday. Gil, another young arm, will aim to match Schlittler’s efficiency, while the offense hopes to continue its power surge. For the Nationals, the loss drops them further out of contention, but Young’s grand slam and Wood’s multi-hit game offer glimpses of hope for a rebuilding franchise.

Schlittler’s Star on the Rise

Cam Schlittler’s performance was the heartbeat of this victory, a testament to his growing command and confidence. His six scoreless innings, combined with the offensive firepower of Rice, Domínguez, and Chisholm, delivered a statement win for the Yankees. As they push toward October, Schlittler’s emergence could be a game-changer, offering a glimpse of a bright future for both the pitcher and the team. For one night in the Bronx, the rookie right-hander was the difference-maker, setting the stage for a convincing 10-5 rout that showcased the Yankees’ depth and potential.


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Felix Pantaleon is The Founder of NYYNEWS.com The First & Oldest Independent New York Yankees Content Creator Platform, Since 2005.Follow on Social Media Instagram - X.com

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