The New York Yankees four runs were all scored by homers as they take the series opener vs. Kansas City at Yankee Stadium.
- Kansas City Royals (18-26): 2
- New York Yankees (26-16): 4
- American League, FINAL, Box Score
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
The New York Yankees took the series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium thanks to a Didi Gregorius two-run homer that put the bombers on top.
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Both teams struggled to rally runs together the first two innings of this game. The Yankees left three runners on in the first two innings, and the Royals didn’t manage a hit until the 3rd inning, which they didn’t waste.
In the top of the third, Jorge Bonifacio delivered a shot into the left field seats making the score 1-0 Royals. That home run is Bonifacio’s 5th on the year. The Royals didn’t stop there as Alcides Escobar grounded a double down the left field line extending Kansas City’s lead to 2.
Out of here.
Boni drills one over the left field wall ? pic.twitter.com/1akrUw3rZS
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 22, 2017
The Yankees quickly responded in the bottom of the inning when Brett Gardner planted a solo homer into right center field, making it a one-run game. Gardner has been on an absolute tear in the month of May hitting .362 with six homers entering tonight’s game. That homer was Gardy’s 9th on the young season.
Gardy with another HR! He's up to 9 in his last 21 games!
We've cut the lead to 2-1 in the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/F1vZJDHzy2
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 23, 2017
Eric Hosmer led off the fourth inning with a double off the left field wall. However, no harm was done. Michael Pineda bared down retiring the next three batters keeping the game within one.
“Yes, in-Didi!” as John Sterling would say. The Yankees took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth when Didi Gregorius launched a second-deck homer to right field. That would be Didi’s 2nd on the year, and for the first time in the game, the Yankees would be in front. Didi has been on fire this year batting .333 on the season.
Can't wait to see @DidiG18's postgame tweet after this one! https://t.co/vwnlgY6fhx pic.twitter.com/aGTnCwP3U2
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 23, 2017
Both Pineda and Vargas would shut down their opponents in the fifth and sixth allowing no runs in each inning. Despite the Yankees threatening in the sixth, Vargas prevailed. That would be the end of the Left-handers night as he goes six innings allowing three runs.
Pineda wouldn’t last much longer, lasting six and a third, allowing just two runs. This was yet another strong performance for “Big Mike” as he’s been arguably the Yankees best pitcher this season. Pineda is now 5-2 with a 3.35 ERA.
The Royals appeared to tie the game in the 7th when Alcides Escobar dribbled an infield single up the middle, allowing the Royals to score. But Joe Girardi questioned the call and challenged. Girardi prevailed, and the Yankees catch a break keeping the score at 3-2.
Hey Mr. Carter!
Chris Carter with a solo HR to left and it's 4-2 in the 7th! pic.twitter.com/IYLgOzZON2
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 23, 2017
The Yankees extended their lead in the bottom of the 7th when Chris Carter hit a long fly ball into the first row of the left-field seats. The Yanks would lead 4-2
Tyler Clippard would shut the Royals down in the 8th, and Dellin Betances would follow him up in the 9th to earn the save (3rd on the year) as the Yanks defeat the Royals 4-2.
#StartSpreadingTheNews, we’re starting the homestand with a W!
Final: Yankees 4, Royals 2. pic.twitter.com/uvcvz8Bt5F
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 23, 2017
DIDI STAYS HOT:
Didi followed up his 4-4 performance yesterday in Tampa with two hits, and one being a big fly to give the Yankees the lead. Didi has performed exceptionally this season and has provided the Yankees a much-needed spark in the bottom of the order.
GLEYBER GOOD:
The Yankees number one prospect and number two overall Gleyber Torres is now one step away from the bigs. The writing is now on the wall for Chase Headley, as he should be aware if his struggles continue that Torres is now just one call away.
Gleyber Torres has officially been transferred from Double-A Trenton to SWB. RHP Eric Ruth going down. #Yankees
— Christian Kouroupakis (@ckouroupakis) May 22, 2017
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Yanks will hand the ball to rookie left-hander Jordan Montgomery tomorrow night as the Yankees will look to take the first two of a four-game set. Danny Duffy will take the mound for Kansas City.
