Yankees Sweep Angels Behind Schmidt’s Strong Outing

In a display of sheer pitching dominance, the New York Yankees completed a three-game sweep against the Los Angeles Angels with a 1-0 victory at Angel Stadium on May 29, 2025. The tightly contested match showcased the Yankees’ exceptional pitching staff, led by starter Clark Schmidt, who set the tone for a masterful performance that stifled the Angels’ offense. The lone run, driven in by a clutch sacrifice fly from Anthony Volpe, was all the Yankees needed to secure the win, as their pitchers held the Angels scoreless through nine innings. The Yankees have now won 16 of their last 20 games

Clark Schmidt Shines

Clark Schmidt delivered a gem, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing just four hits while striking out four and walking one. His command was impeccable, throwing 69 of his 99 pitches for strikes. Schmidt navigated the Angels’ lineup with precision, inducing seven ground balls and seven fly outs while facing 22 batters. His ability to keep runners off balance was evident early, as he escaped a first-inning threat by inducing a double play from Nolan Schanuel after Zach Neto’s single and Yoan Moncada’s double. Schmidt’s performance earned him the win, improving his record to 2-2 with a 3.95 ERA.

Schmidt’s outing was a testament to the Yankees’ pitching depth, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season. His ability to mix pitches and maintain composure under pressure kept the Angels from capitalizing on their limited opportunities. A wild pitch in the second inning allowed Jorge Soler to advance, but Schmidt buckled down, striking out Travis d’Arnaud and Chris Taylor to end the threat. His efficiency and poise set the stage for the bullpen to close out the game.

Bullpen Locks It Down

The Yankees’ bullpen was equally impressive, with Ian Hamilton, Tim Hill, and Mark Leiter combining for three scoreless innings to preserve the shutout. Hamilton took over in the seventh, striking out two and allowing just one hit over 1.2 innings. His 31-pitch outing included a crucial strikeout of Logan O’Hoppe with a runner on base, maintaining the Yankees’ slim lead. Tim Hill faced just one batter, inducing a groundout from Schanuel to end the eighth, while Mark Leiter earned his second save of the season, navigating a walk to Soler in the ninth before striking out O’Hoppe to seal the victory.

The bullpen’s performance underscored the Yankees’ pitching prowess, with a collective effort that limited the Angels to five hits and two walks while striking out eight. Their ability to shut down any potential rally was critical, especially in the eighth inning when Chris Taylor singled and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Luis Rengifo. The Angels managed to put a runner in scoring position but couldn’t capitalize, as Neto flied out and Schanuel grounded out.

Offensive Efficiency Despite Limited Output

The Yankees’ offense, while not prolific, did just enough to secure the win. Paul Goldschmidt led the way, going 2-for-4 with a double and scoring the game’s only run in the first inning. After doubling to right off Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi, Goldschmidt advanced to third on a walk to Aaron Judge and scored on Volpe’s sacrifice fly to center. The early run proved to be the difference, as the Yankees managed seven hits and five walks but left 14 runners on base, including several in scoring position.

Trent Grisham also contributed, going 2-for-5 with a double, while Volpe added a double of his own to go 1-for-3 with the game’s lone RBI. Jasson Dominguez chipped in with a single and a stolen base, showcasing his speed on the basepaths. Despite striking out 13 times, the Yankees capitalized on their early opportunity and relied on their pitching to carry the day.

VOLPE SAC FLY pic.twitter.com/USHgEPeEwB

— SleeperYankees (@SleeperYankees) May 29, 2025

Angels Struggle Against Yankees’ Arms

The Angels’ offense struggled to find traction against the Yankees’ pitching staff. Jorge Soler led the way with two hits, including a single in the second that advanced on a wild pitch, but he was stranded. Yoan Moncada added a double, and Zach Neto and Chris Taylor each had a single, but the Angels left 13 runners on base, including several in scoring position. Their inability to deliver in clutch moments was a recurring theme, as they went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Yusei Kikuchi took the loss for the Angels, falling to 1-5 despite a solid outing. He allowed one run on four hits over five innings, striking out four but issuing five walks, including two intentional walks to Aaron Judge. The Angels’ bullpen, featuring Robert Stephenson, Ryan Zeferjahn, Reid Detmers, and Brock Burke, kept the Yankees scoreless after the first, allowing just three hits and striking out seven over the final four innings. However, the early deficit proved insurmountable.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The game’s defining moment came in the first inning when Volpe’s sacrifice fly scored Goldschmidt, giving the Yankees a lead they would never relinquish. Schmidt’s ability to escape the first inning unscathed after allowing a single and a double set the tone for his dominant outing. The Yankees’ defense also played a crucial role, turning a double play in the first inning to thwart an early Angels threat.

In the eighth inning, the Angels mounted their best chance to tie the game. Taylor’s single and Rengifo’s sacrifice bunt put a runner in scoring position with one out, but Neto’s flyout and Schanuel’s groundout ended the threat. Leiter’s composure in the ninth, striking out O’Hoppe after walking Soler, sealed the shutout and completed the sweep.

Standout Performances

Clark Schmidt (Yankees): 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 SO, 18.0 FPTS. Schmidt’s command and ability to induce weak contact were pivotal in keeping the Angels off the scoreboard.

Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees): 2-for-4, 2B, R, .347 AVG. Goldschmidt’s double and run scored in the first inning provided the game’s only offense.

Anthony Volpe (Yankees): 1-for-3, 2B, RBI, SF. Volpe’s sacrifice fly in the first inning drove in the decisive run.

Jorge Soler (Angels): 2-for-3, .225 AVG. Soler was the Angels’ most consistent offensive threat, but he couldn’t spark a rally.

Looking Ahead

The Yankees’ sweep at Angel Stadium improves their standing as they continue their push in the American League. The pitching staff’s ability to dominate, led by Schmidt’s brilliance and a lights-out bullpen, bodes well for their postseason aspirations. For the Angels, the loss highlights their struggles to generate consistent offense, a challenge they must address as the season progresses.

This game was a classic pitcher’s duel, with the Yankees’ arms proving to be the difference. As they head into their next series, the Yankees will look to carry this momentum forward, while the Angels will aim to regroup and find a way to break through against elite pitching.

Box Score Summary:

• Yankees: 1 R, 7 H, 0 E, 14 LOB
• Angels: 0 R, 5 H, 0 E, 13 LOB
• WP: Clark Schmidt (2-2)
• LP: Yusei Kikuchi (1-5)
• S: Mark Leiter (2)

The Yankees’ pitching staff has sent a clear message: when they’re firing on all cylinders, they’re tough to beat. This sweep serves as a reminder of their potential to dominate in October.