Yankees 1, Royals 0: Reyes Scores on Error to Complete Sweep

Thursday, June 12th, 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped, and still scrambled home safely on a wild play in the eighth inning, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

New York completed a three-game sweep at Kauffman Stadium, finishing the season series 6-0 against the Royals. This follows their 3-1 victory over Kansas City in their best-of-five playoff series last October.

Backed by some brilliant defense, Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter. The AL East-leading Yankees (42-25) moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They also possess the best road record in Major League Baseball at 21-13.

Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) recorded one out to earn the win, and Devin Williams secured his ninth save with a perfect ninth inning. He ended the game by throwing a called third strike past rookie Jac Caglianone with a full-count fastball.

The game experienced a 28-minute rain delay in the top of the sixth inning.

Decisive Eighth Inning Play

With two runners on and two outs in the eighth, Paul Goldschmidt hit a single off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Pasquantino tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the play.

On the play, Reyes lost his balance rounding third base, changed direction twice, and ultimately slid home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate, allowing the winning run to score.

Pitching Duel

Both starting pitchers were outstanding, each tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Royals starter Seth Lugo allowed just two hits, while Yankees starter Will Warren permitted four hits.

Notable Performances

Vinnie Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games for the Royals.

New York rested key players Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Austin Wells. This trio had combined for 7 hits in 23 at-bats with three home runs and 10 RBI in the first two games of the series.

Series Sweep & History

New York's sweep marks the third time in their 57-year history that they have swept a season series from the Kansas City Royals. The Yankees have now won 19 of the past 20 series played between the two teams.

Up Next

The Yankees travel to Fenway Park to open a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) is scheduled to face Red Sox LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35 ERA) on Friday night.

The Royals continue their homestand, hosting the Oakland Athletics. Royals RHP Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) will start Friday against Athletics RHP Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77 ERA).

In summary

The New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on June 12, 2025, completing a three-game sweep thanks to a wild play in the eighth inning where Pablo Reyes scored on a throwing error by Lucas Erceg. Will Warren and four relievers combined for a five-hitter for the Yankees, while Seth Lugo pitched effectively for the Royals. The win improves the Yankees' record to 42-25 and secures a 6-0 season series sweep over the Royals.

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