Game 27: Kuroda, Offense Struggles Continue

New York Yankees 1 -- Kansas City Royals 5

Hiroki Kuroda couldn't go deep in tonight's 5-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

In 4.1 innings, Kuroda needed 91 pitches for 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Billy Butler was a big problem in Kuroda's start as a pair of doubles by the Royals designated hitter brought in three runs. Cody Eppley also gave up a pair of runs in tonight's loss.

Curtis Granderson hit a pair of doubles but one double involved a lapse in judgment later in that inning. In the 6th inning, after a double by Granderson, a fly out to right field by Alex Rodriguez became a double play when Jeff Francoeur threw out the advancing Granderson at third base. The offense came from Russell Martin who was 3 for 4, raising his average over .200. Two of his hits were extra base hits as he got a home run in the 7th and a double in the 9th. Unfortunately, the offensive struggles are clearly evident as the Yankees were hitless with runners in scoring position (0 for 9).

Win - Felipe Paulino (1-0)

Loss - Hiroki Kuroda (2-4)

Notable

Yankees

*Russell Martin - 3 for 4, R, 2B, Solo Home Run (3) in the 7th, RBI (7)

*Curtis Granderson - 2 for 4, 2 2B

Royals

*Billy Butler - 2 for 4, BB, 2 2B, 3 RBI (19)

*Alex Gordon - 4 for 5, 2 R, 2B, RBI (14)

Current Yankees Record: 14-13

Ryan Nakada

@adakannayr