New York Yankees starter Luis Gil delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Sept. 12, 2025.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox began a crucial three-game series at Fenway Park on Friday, Sept. 12, with the rivals jockeying for the American League's top wild-card spot while trying to chase down the Toronto Blue Jays atop the AL East.

The Yankees (82-65) emerged victorious in the opener behind stellar pitching from starter Luis Gil (4-1) and another home run from slugger Aaron Judge as New York shut down the Red Sox in the 4-1 win. Judge put the Yankees on the board in the top of the first inning when he mashed a 468-foot solo homer to center field for his 47th dinger of the season. The 362nd home run of Judge's career moved him past the legendary Joe DiMaggio for fourth most in Yankees' history.

Meanwhile, Gil stymied the Red Sox batters, holding Boston hitless through six innings. Gil struck out four and walked four before giving way to the bullpen in the seventh. Finally with two outs in the frame, the Red Sox (81-67) got on the board when Nate Eaton hit a solo home run to left field. Boston's only other hit of the game was a single by Alex Bregman in the bottom of the eighth.

Starter Lucas Giolito (10-4) took the loss for the Red Sox.

Neither team gained ground on Toronto, which maintained a three-game lead in the AL East after the Blue Jays beat the Orioles 6-1, but the Yankees increased their lead in the wild card race, moving to 1½ games up on the Red Sox. Boston (8-3 against the Yankees) has already clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker against New York, giving the Red Sox the edge should the teams be tied after 162 games.

Max Fried (16-5) will take the mound for New York, and Brayan Bello (11-6) will start for Boston in the second game of the series, Saturday, Sept. 13 at 4:10 p.m. ET.

Scroll below for highlights and a recap of Friday's game:

Yankees beat Red Sox 4-1

The New York Yankees opened a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park with a 4-1 victory. Four Yankees pitchers limited the Red Sox to one run and two hits.

Nate Eaton homers for Red Sox's first hit

Right fielder Nate Eaton ended the New York Yankees' combined no-hitter bid with a solo home run to left in the bottom of the seventh inning off reliever Fernando Cruz. The right-hander entered the game after Yankees starter Luis Gil threw six no-hit innings. Cruz promptly struck out the first two batters he faced before Eaton finally got Boston on the board with his solo shot. The Yankees lead 4-1 heading to the top of the eighth.

Yankees add two runs; Red Sox still hitless

The New York Yankees tacked on two runs in the top of the seventh inning to extend their lead to 4-0. The Boston Red Sox, meanwhile, head into the bottom of the seventh still seeking their first hit. Yankees starter Luis Gil threw six innings and struck out four while allowing four walks. Fernando Cruz has entered in relief to pitch the bottom of the seventh.

Red Sox seeking first hit

The Boston Red Sox have been held hitless by the Yankees through five innings. New York leads 2-0 heading into the top of the sixth.

Yankees increase lead

Cody Bellinger hit a two-out RBI single in the top of the third inning for the Yankees, allowing Judge to score and take a 2-0 lead.

Aaron Judge passes Joe DiMaggio on Yankees' HR list

Aaron Judge hit a home run to take sole possession of fourth place, passing Joe DiMaggio (361), on the Yankees' all-time home run list with 362.

Judge has the most on the list among right-handed hitters. Babe Ruth (left-handed hitter, 659), Mickey Mantle (switch hitter, 536) and Lou Gehrig (left-handed, 483) are all ahead of Judge on the overall list.

Judge tied with DiMaggio on Sept. 11, when he hit two home runs against the Detroit Tigers in a 9-3 home win.

The Yankees lead the Red Sox, 1-0, in the top of the first inning.

Where to watch Red Sox vs Yankees

Friday night's game will stream on Apple TV+ with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.

Watch Yankees vs. Red Sox on Apple TV+

What time is Yankees vs. Red Sox game?

Friday's game at Fenway Park begins at 7:10 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yankees vs: Red Sox highlights: Aaron Judge passes DiMaggio on Yankees home run list

Reporting by James H. Williams, USA TODAY Sports / USA TODAY

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