Kansas City Royals 3 — New York Yankees 1
Yankees manufacture one run in tonight’s 3-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
The top of the Yankees lineup got going early against former Rays’ starting pitcher James Shields. Brett Gardner started the game with a bunt single and Ichiro Suzuki followed with a single of his own to right field, putting runners on the corners for Robinson Cano. The Yankees all-star second baseman would single to right field to give the Yankees and their ace, CC Sabathia, an early, but small one run lead.
They could have had more and they should have had more. After Travis Hafner struck out for the first out, Zoilo Almonte singled to load the bases. Lyle Overbay would follow with a momentum-deflating strikeout for the second out. Eduardo Nunez would fly out to center field and the inning was over.
Through five innings, CC Sabahia was locked in. He allowed just one hit and one walk through the first five innings. He was coming into the sixth inning with seven consecutive batters retired but outfielder David Lough would end that in a big way. After hitting a run-scoring double yesterday, Lough would hit a solo home run to start the sixth inning and tie the game. Then in the seventh inning, Billy Butler would show his home run power once more. His solo home run to start the seventh inning to give the Royals the lead.
Back-to-back doubles in the eighth inning gave the Royals a two-run lead. Two runs is practically a nail in the coffin for this abysmal Yankees offense.
CC Sabathia went the complete nine innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts. He threw 113 pitches.
For the Royals, James Shields settled down despite having an inning which he walked two in a row. From the fourth inning on until the seventh when he exited the game, Shields retired 12 consecutive Yankees. Their bullpen was solid with Tim Collins allowing a hit but would get Ichiro Suzuki and Robinson Cano out. Closer Greg Holland wasn’t as dominant as he was yesterday, striking out the side, but a perfect ninth ended the game and extended the Yankees new losing streak to three.
Win – James Shields (4-6)
Loss – CC Sabathia (9-7)
Save – Greg Holland (22)
Notables
Royals
*Billy Butler – 1 for 3, R, BB, Solo Home Run (8) in the 7th, RBI (49)
*David Lough – 1 for 4, R, Solo Home Run (3) in the 6th, RBI (16)
Yankees
*Robinson Cano – 1 for 3, BB, RBI (59)
*Brett Gardner – 2 for 4, R
Current Yankees Record: 48-42
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