NEW YORK — Though the Yankees gave up an early lead, two runs in the eighth allowed New York a split of today’s day-night doubleheader. Winning 5-4 at Yankee Stadium, the team remains 5.5 games back of the division leading Red Sox.
The Yankees took an early lead with two runs off of an RBI single by Miguel Andujar and a sacrifice fly from the red-hot Neil Walker.
Though Salvador Perez cut into the lead with a solo shot in the third, Shane Robinson hit his first Yankee home run in the fourth off of starter Heath Fillmyer to answer back.
Here’s to you Mr. Robinson! Shane Robinson hits his first homer of the season and his first since 2016. pic.twitter.com/smK7oC65ur
— Bronx Bomber Ball (@BronxBomberBall) July 29, 2018
In the fifth, the Royals loaded the bases against CC Sabathia, who gave just 4 2/3 innings of two run ball. After he walked Lucas Duda to bring in a run, a less than satisfied Sabathia gave up the ball to Aaron Boone who called on Jonathan Holder.
The righty did his job and got the Yankees out of further trouble.
After the Royals tied the game in the sixth with a single from Rosell Herrera, they took the lead the very next frame against Zach Britton.
Again, with the bases loaded, the KC player at the plate, this time Drew Butera, worked a walk to bring in the go-ahead run. That would be all they would get, however.
Facing Brian Flynn to lead off the eighth, Greg Bird homered to deep center field to tie the game.
Fly out for the tie. pic.twitter.com/LgijOLZfgj
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 29, 2018
Neil Walker then doubled before a perfectly placed bunt by Austin Romine gave the team runners at the corner with no outs. After a Gleyber Torres walk, Aaron Hicks drove in Walker with a sac fly.
Though the team would get no more, it was enough for Aroldis Chapman who nailed down his 27th save. It was not text book but the Cuban Missile got the job done.
J.A. Happ makes his Yankee debut tomorrow against KC’s Burch Smith.
Current Yankees Record: 66-37
