New York Yankees 4 — Kansas City Royals 2
The Yankees got a timely, albeit unexpected, hit to win the first game of a wrap around series in KC.
In the second inning, the Yankees got some two out hitting against Royals’ starter Jeremy Guthrie. After a single and a walk, Brian Roberts hit a single to center field and the Yankees had a one-run lead. AA two-out hit with runners in scoring position, shocking.
After receiving a lead, rookie starter Chase Whitley would give it right back. After left fielder Alex Gordon hit a double to right field, catcher Salvador Perez hit a single to left field and the game was tied. Whitley minimized the inning by generating a double play to end the inning.
Two singles opened the third inning and with one out, Mark Teixeira took one for the team with a pitch that hit him. With the bases loaded, Brian McCann would hit a double to left field that would score all three runs and when the dust settled, Brian McCann reached third on the throw home. The three-run double was a much needed shot in the arm for an offense that has been offensive to their expectations.
Chase Whitley, with a three-run lead, would allow a run in the fifth inning but the overly aggressive Royals lineup helped the young rookie last a career-high seven innings. In his best start of his major league career, Whitley finished strong by retiring the last eight batters he faced after the run-scoring double in the fifth inning.
In seven innings, Chase Whitley allowed two runs on five hits while walking none and striking out three. He threw 87 pitches in just seven innings. Outstanding job.
For the eighth inning, Dellin Betances got the call and after striking out the first two, Alcides Escobar hit a double but would be stranded with a ground out to first. David Robertson got the call for the save in the ninth inning with a two-run lead. Robertson would quickly strike out the first two batters before the next two reached on a double and a walk. Catcher Salvador Perez would ground into a force at second and for the Yankees this was two wins in a row.
Congratulations to Chase Whitley on his first career win.
Win – Chase Whitley (1-0)
Loss – Jeremy Guthrie (2-6)
Save – David Robertson (14)
Notables
Yankees
*Brian McCann – 1 for 4, 2B, 3 RBI (27)
*Mark Teixeira – 1 for 2, 2 R, BB
Royals
*Lorenzo Cain – 1 for 3, 2B, RBI (22)
*Salvador Perez – 1 for 4, RBI (17)
Current Yankees Record: 31-29
