Kansas City Royals 4 — New York Yankees 8
Derek Jeter made a successful 2013 debut in today’s 8-4 win over the Kansas City Royals.
“People! It feels so good to be back”
The lyrics of Eminem’s “Square Dance” to introduce Derek Jeter were heard amidst the standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd. With one out, Derek Jeter swung at the first pitch and an infield single would put The Captain’s batting average at a perfect 1.000 for the season. Robinson Cano would hit with Jeter in motion, putting runners on the corners. Vernon Wells would have a productive out with a sacrifice fly to right field.
In the first inning, Derek Jeter singled, advanced to third on a hit-and-run and scored on a sacrifice fly.
In the top half of the first inning, Andy Pettitte struggled with a pair of singles to start. He would get one out but walked one to load the bases. All-star catcher Salvador Perez would hit a double to left field and plated the first two runs of the game. Outfielder Lorenzo Cain hit a sacrifice fly to bring in the third run. After one inning, the Yankees trailed by a score of 3-1.
In the second inning, a bunt single by David Lough got Pettitte when a wide throw allowed Lough to move to second. Shortstop Alcides Escobar singled in the Royals’ outfielder and the Royals went ahead by three. Unexpected production cut into the lead for the Yankees. After Eduardo Nunez got on with a single, he advanced on a wild pitch. With two outs, Austin Romine hit a double to right field to bring home Nunez. Ichiro Suzuki would follow with a run-scoring single of his own and the Yankees trailed 4-3.
Derek Jeter grounded out to third to end the second inning.
In the fifth inning, with Ichiro Suzuki on third with two outs, Robinson Cano was intentionally walked. Vernon Wells would be walked in the unintentional variety and Lyle Overbay got a familiar situation. In last night’s game, Overbay hit a grand slam but today he settled with a two-run single giving the Yankees a one-run lead. Zoilo Almonte followed with a single of his own to bring in one run. Eduardo Nunez singled in Overbay but Almonte was caught trying to advance to third.
Derek Jeter grounded out to second baseman Johnny Giavotella making a diving stop to his left in the fifth inning.
In the sixth inning, Luis Cruz and Austin Romine started the inning with singles. Ichiro Suzuki would move them over with a sacrifice bunt and Derek Jeter would ground out to a pulled in infield but the last run of the game would score.
Derek Jeter grounded out but brought his first run of the season in in the sixth inning.
Andy Pettitte went 5.2 innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits with a walk and a strikeout. Shawn Kelley pitched a scoreless 1.1 inning and struck out two. David Robertson made a final bid for the Final Vote with a three strikeout inning in the eighth.
Derek Jeter would be pinch-hit for in the eighth inning by Brett Gardner. He felt tightness in his right quad and is scheduled for an MRI to determine where he will go from here.
Win – Andy Pettitte (7-6)
Loss – Ervin Santana (5-6)
Notables
Royals
*Salvador Perez – 1 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI (38)
*Alcides Escobar – 2 for 5, RBI (28)
Yankees
*Austin Romine – 2 for 4, R, 2B, RBI (3)
*Derek Jeter – 1 for 4, R, RBI (1)
Current Yankees Record: 50-42
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