KANSAS CITY – It was another dominant performance by the Yankees’ offense on Wednesday night versus the Kansas City Royals. Six batters got at least two hits in their 11-7 route of the Royals.
All 9 starters have recorded at least 1 hit. ?
10-4 Yankees in the 8th. pic.twitter.com/r08Rs0gRLX
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 18, 2017
Jason Vargas has been one of the best pitchers for the Royals this season, but it didn’t show against the Yankees. Coming into the start, Vargas had a 2.03 ERA and had gone at least five innings in all of his outings this season. The lefty surrendered six earned runs in only four innings against the Bronx Bombers, and was hammered for seven hits. The most runs he had given up prior to Wednesday this season was three against the Chicago White Sox.
The Yankees got to Vargas early as Starlin Castro doubled in a run in the top of the first inning. Aaron Hicks opened up the scoring when he hit a three-run home run in the top of the fourth inning – extending the lead to 5-0.
From that point on, the Yankees did not look back. Starter Michael Pineda threw six quality innings, allowing only three earned runs while striking out five. His only mistakes came on pitches that he left over the heart of the plate, resulting in home runs.
??
13 hits, 10 runs, 7-run lead after 6. pic.twitter.com/blr3ukbggW
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) May 18, 2017
The Yankees’ bullpen was effective despite a rough ninth inning from Giovanny Gallegos. Gallegos allowed five hits and three earned runs in less than an inning of action, but the Yankees were able to hold on and win. Dellin Betances closed down the game by getting Eric Hosmer to groundout.
With the win, the Yankees are now 24-13 on the season and will look to complete the series sweep of the Royals in their final game of the series on Thursday night. Jordan Montgomery will be on the mound in a southpaw matchup versus Royals’ starter, Danny Duffy.
Win- Michael Pineda
Loss- Jason Vargas
Notes:
The Yankees have combined for 29 hits in their past two games and the offense has been red hot. Six batters got at least two hits and every starter recorded a hit in tonight’s victory.
