The New York Yankees are hoping the series against the Chicago Cubs this weekend at Wrigley Field sparks a successful run into the postseason.
After winning the opener of the three-game series in impressive fashion, the Yankees (81-60) look to build on the victory on Saturday.
Luis Gil and three relievers combined on a one-hitter in a 3-0 victory Friday as the Yankees snapped a two-game skid. Austin Wells singled in two runs and Aaron Judge added an RBI double.
Cody Bellinger's one-out double in the fourth inning was the lone hit registered by Chicago (72-69), which lost for the third time in its past four games.
The Cubs were shut out for the 14th time this season, which is tied for the second-most in the majors.
"Gil threw the ball well, but we've got to do a better job," Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. "No leadoff hitters on, no multiple men on base in an inning ... that's a tough formula to score. You've got to create rallies in situations like that and we couldn't get anything going."
Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo made his long-awaited return to Wrigley Field, where he played for 10 years with the Cubs and won a World Series. Rizzo received a pregame video tribute and finished 1-for-3 with a walk.
New York is using a closer-by-committee approach after Clay Holmes suffered his league-leading 11th blown save of the season Tuesday.
Luke Weaver earned his first career save in 199 major league appearances on Friday and was asked how to describe the experience.
"Well, I could give you the correct answer -- professional answer -- or I could give you the actual answer," Weaver said. "I couldn't see straight. I was blacked out for the most part. I was on pure adrenaline. But it was a great time."
A pair of right-handers will take the mound on Saturday as Chicago's Javier Assad (7-4, 3.21 ERA) faces New York's Clarke Schmidt (5-3, 2.52).
Assad, 27, allowed three runs over six innings in a 5-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Aug. 31. He has set career highs for starts (25) and innings pitched (126) this season.
"He doesn't give up," Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt said. "He gets mad at himself and sometimes you can see it and you can feel it. I think that is a good thing. Then he gets a punch in the mouth and that's when he starts executing and working."
Assad is set to make his second career appearance against the Yankees. He didn't factor into the decision after pitching three scoreless innings in relief on July 8, 2023.
Schmidt will be activated from the 60-day injured list prior to the game to make his first start since May 26. He missed just over three months due to a right lat strain.
The 28-year-old Schmidt made his third and final rehab start Monday with Double-A Somerset, allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings while throwing 70 pitches.
"As far as physical and stuff and command, I feel like I've been in a really good spot for a few starts now," Schmidt said.
Before landing on the injured list, Schmidt allowed three runs or fewer in each of his 11 starts. He is set to make his third career appearance (first start) against the Cubs.
