BOSTON – Brian Cashman’s September assessment of the Yankees is probably right in line with your own take.
“I think we’re capable of beating anybody but we’re also capable of getting beat,’’ the Yanks’ GM said before Friday’s important series opener at Fenway Park.
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“Let’s just bring our A-game when it counts most,’’ said Cashman, and this three-game set qualifies as one that means something more – in the standings as well as for the Yankees’ psyche.
So, Friday night’s 4-1 win against the Red Sox – just their third in 11 games vs. Boston this year- was a necessary start, with Brayan Bello and Garrett Crochet looming Saturday and Sunday.
“We have a very talented team capable of a lot,’’ said Cashman, adding that “it’s time’’ to flaunt that talent.
On a fall-like Fenway evening, Yankees starter Luis Gil did his best Bend-Don’t-Break routine, walking four batters across six hitless innings without yielding a run, and the Yanks mostly ran the bases aggressively and smartly – not their most reliable trait.
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Aaron Judge launches another historic home run
Sep 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Oh, and the Yanks’ captain announced their arrival here, blasting an estimated 468-foot solo home run off Lucas Giolito that altered the franchise record books.
Serving as the Yanks’ designated hitter, Judge’s 47th homer of the year was career No. 362, passing Joe DiMaggio into sole possession of fourth place on the Yankees’ all-time home run list.
“It’s special,’’ said Judge, who also set an MLB record for first inning homers in a season with his 19th.
“But just like all those guys in front of me and on those lists, they weren’t playing for records, they were playing to win,’’ said Judge.
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“I’m just trying to put this team in position to win every night.’’
“That electrified us,” Ben Rice said of Judge’s blast, the longest homer measured at Fenway Park this season. “Felt like, from then on, we had the momentum.”
Yankees run to victory at Fenway
Sep 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s two stolen bases gave him 30 for the season, and he’s two homers away from becoming just the third 30-30 player in Yankees history.
“It would mean a lot if we won the division with it,” said Chisholm, with the Yankees three games behind AL East-leading Toronto with 15 games to play – none of them vs. the Blue Jays.
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But the Yanks hold a game-and-a-half lead on Boston for the top wild card spot, and Friday’s win saw Jose Caballero manufacture a run with his speed in a two-run seventh, giving the Yanks a 4-0 lead.
After a one-out double, Caballero swiped his MLB-leading 46th base and scored on a right-side grounder with the infield in, a testament to his speed – causing a rushed throw from second baseman David Hamilton.
“He wreaks havoc on the bases,” manager Aaron Boone said of Caballero, getting his third straight start at shortstop for the ailing/slumping Anthony Volpe.
“Makes you hold your breath sometimes, but he’s a really confident player.”
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Luis Gil holds serve at Fenway
Sep 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil (81) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
In that inning, an intentional walk to Judge led to Rice’s two-out RBI single, and the Yanks’ bullpen held this time – with Devin Williams working around a leadoff eighth inning single and David Bednar with a no-drama save.
Boston’s only run was Nate Eaton’s two-out, seventh inning solo homer off Fernando Cruz, which was also the Red Sox’s first hit of the night.
“We’re probably going to get more pitches to hit, might get more pitches over the plate,” Judge said of the Yankees taking extra bases and stealing bases, potentially leading to more fastball situations.
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Could these home-run dependent Yankees become that resourceful, reliably, this late in the season?
Well, getting an early lead helps to keep the pressure on. And getting solid starting pitching – an area they’ve excelled at, even in their toughest stretch – is a huge plus.
Gil’s best moment came after walked the first two batters in the sixth, when – despite a balk and a wild pitch – he stranded Red Sox at second and third.
“You have to stay locked in,” Gil said through an interpreter.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: In need of making statement at Fenway Park, the Yankees start off a big series with a win