Clarke Schmidt made his season debut for the Yankees, pitching 5.2 solid innings, while Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger ensured a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Kansas City Royals. Judge hit a go-ahead home run in the seventh, breaking a 10-game homerless streak, and finished 3-for-3 with a .409 batting average, leading the MLB in several offensive categories. Bellinger's diving catch sealed the win, capping off a three-game sweep for the Yankees.

Manager Aaron Boone lauded Judge's performance, recalling his record-setting 2022 season. With key pitchers like Gerrit Cole sidelined, Schmidt's promising outing is crucial for the team's rotation. The Yankees, now 11-7, prepare to face the Tampa Bay Rays at their spring training facility in an unusual home game.