About Last Night: The 11th Was The Big Inning
- Paul Semendinger

- Aug 31
- 3 min read
by Paul Semendinger
August 30, 2025
***
Today's game summary was inspired by songs recorded by the band Chicago.
The Yankees arrived in Chicago to take on the White Sox in the third game of this four game series.
Sunny days, Yankees Baseball, a holiday weekend, Saturday in the Park - what could be better?
After a difficult summer, it is clear that the Yankees are Feelin' Stronger Every Day. Heading into this game, the Yankees had won six consecutive games. They had also been the best team in baseball since August 6. Getting a chance to play second division clubs has helped to save the Yankees' season. It's no surprise the Yankees were saying, "Take Me Back to Chicago" to play the lowly White Sox.
One of My Favorite Things is when a Yankees prospect makes it to the big leagues and becomes a star. Cam Schlittler, the team's starting pitcher last night, has been amazing for the Yankees since coming up from the minors. It kind of reminds me of the Old Days when Dave Righetti burst on the scene as an ace starter. If Schlittler can can Hold On and continue this excellence, he'll be starting in the post season. If nothing else, he'll be part of that Dialogue.
The Lowdown on the game was that through the first three innings, it was scoreless. Cam Schlittler had some of the White Sox Chasing the Wind as he had three strikeouts through the first three innings.
In the top of the fourth inning, Aaron Judge announced his presence. He basically said Ain't It Time for the team to Call on Me as he hit one Gone Long Gone to give the Yankees a 1-0 lead.
As the game progressed to the fifth inning, Cam Schlittler was pitching Free and easy. I am very glad the Yankees decided to Take A Chance on him. The team has been Searching So Long for a young home-grown ace. This Time they might have found the young ace.
But, in the fifth inning, Schlittler faltered just a bit. A hit batter turned into a run as former Yankee Mike Tauchman singled him in with two outs tying the score at 1-1. With that, the White Sox were Alive Again. Baby, What A Big Surprise.
In the end, Schlitter gave up one run over six innings.
In the top of the seventh inning, Austin Wells added some Thunder and Lightning as he announced I'm A Man by blasting a solo homer to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead.
Someday, though, Aaron Boone will know not to bring Devin Williams into a close game. When Williams pitches, that's When All The Laughter Dies in Sorrow. He gave up a lead-off double and then a game tying single. Whoever suggested that the Yankees use Williams in a close game gave Bad Advice.
The game then dragged on through the eighth, ninth, and tenth, and into the eleventh inning. I thought, "It Better End Soon." I hate late games. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
In the eleventh inning, Cody Bellinger ripped a single to score the ghost runner. It seemed that All Is Well. Jazz Chisholm then drove home Aaron Judge who had been intentionally walked. Anthony Volpe also doubled home a run in the inning. He just might be once again living The American Dream. Going to the bottom of the 11th, the Yankees were up 5-2. (Or was it 25 or 6 to 4?)
Camilo Doval came in to close the game for the Yankees. I was afraid he'd give the Yankees the Runaround. If you thought he might blow the three run lead, You're Not Alone. He wasn't sharp, but he closed out the win and the Yankees were Victorious.
I Must Have Been Crazy to continue to watch this team all summer. Once or Twice I basically gave up on them. I wanted to Look Away. I actually wanted to Run Away from my fandom. But rooting for the Yankees is a Hard Habit To Break.
The Yankees are The Bomb, and with games like this they continue to Make Me Smile. What Else Can I Say? I'm a Happy Man.
















Let's hope this run continues against the better teams.... hope spring eternal!
It was like OLD DAYS on a beautiful night in Chicago with wife, daughter, and son in law. Great Yankees victory sitting along first base side down the right field line with plenty of great Yankees fans! Had on my Mickey Mantle rookie season jersey. Standing in line for restroom break the guy behind me asked “Who wore #7?” . I felt old and incredulous at the same time! Great memories on the night.
sometimes the best of
sometimes the worst
but to be a fan
is to be bedraggled
sometimes
but always to be a fan
and walk along
and never a
The pushover portion of the season ends today. Real competition starts Tuesday. We'll see what version of the team shows up, and if they'll be ready mentally for 12 straight tough games.
Love Chicago, band and city!
The Yankees have had so many misses in terms of homegrown SP since 1990, usually due to injury rather than even traded away. Schlittler more reminds me of Sterling Hitchcock in 1995. Hitchcock was traded away that winter (in the Tino/Nelson deal), and Eric Milton (for Chuckie Knoblaugh). The only guys to really stay here since fellow 1995 rookie, one Andrew Eugene Pettitte have been Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova and Luis Severino. And as we know the YMG couldn't keep Sevy healthy. And running the bases cost us Chin Ming Wang. (and got us AJ Burnett. Booooooo!). Will Warren has really generally had a tough time as a rookie pitching on the road. Only Brandon Beck is currently …