Final
Yankees surge past Royals for 7-3 victory
May 13, 2016 - 2:53 AM NEW YORK (AP) Chase Headley can only hope one successful swing leads to a lot more.Stuck in a deep slump, Headley homered for his first extra-base hit this season, helping the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 Thursday night.
''It's been a long time,'' Headley said. ''Felt like it's been a really long time.''
Headley ended a drought of 170 at-bats since his last home run, dating to last year. That from a guy who hit 31 homers with 115 RBIs for San Diego in 2012 and still is counted on to provide some power.
Headley has been working long hours in the batting cage lately and seeking advice from many hitters, including Yankees Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.
The third baseman began the day batting just .178, although his recent swings had manager Joe Girardi thinking ''he was starting to look like the Chase Headley we knew.''
Headley and Didi Gregorius hit two-run homers, and Starlin Castro added a solo shot to boost the Yankees.
Kansas City dropped three of four at Yankee Stadium and has lost 12 of 16 overall.
''I'll just be happy to get home. It seems like we haven't been home in a year. We have a real comfort level there and enjoy playing at home,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said.
Nathan Eovaldi (3-2) worked around eight hits in five innings, and overcame getting struck on the leg by Lorenzo Cain's hard one-hopper at the outset.
On Eovaldi's last pitch, Salvador Perez nearly launched a go-ahead, three-run homer, but right fielder Carlos Beltran caught the ball at the top of the wall. Eovaldi wiped his brow as he walked off the mound while Perez put both hands on the top of his helmet.
''Luckily, he was able to make the play,'' Eovaldi said.
Relievers Kirby Yates and Dellin Betances each followed with a perfect inning to hold a 5-3 lead. After the Yankees scored twice more, Andrew Miller worked a 1-2-3 eighth and Chasen Shreve threw a scoreless ninth.
Alex Gordon hit a solo home run and an RBI single for Kansas City. The Royals outhit the Yankees 9-7.
Ian Kennedy (4-3) lost in his first game back in the Bronx since the Yankees traded him after the 2009 season.
Castro homered in the first, then Headley connected in the second.
''A step in the right direction,'' Headley said. ''Still got a long way to go.''
Gregorius hit a two-run drive in the fourth.
Chien-Ming Wang, another former Yankees pitcher, gave up an RBI single to Castro and a bases-loaded walk to Brian McCann in the seventh.
ROSTER MOVE
The Yankees recalled lefty reliever Tyler Olson from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and sent down outfielder Ben Gamel. On Monday, Gamel got his first hit in the majors.
The Yankees also might be set to promote catcher Gary Sanchez from Triple-A. The 23-year-old made his big league debut last season with two games, got off to a solid start in the minors this year and could join the Yankees as an extra hitter, possibly even a DH with Alex Rodriguez on the disabled list.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Royals: RHP Chris Young (strained forearm) and RHP Kris Medlen (rotator cuff inflammation) were put on the 15-day disabled list. RHP Peter Moylan and LHP Scott Alexander came up from Triple-A.
Yankees: 1B Mark Teixeira returned to the lineup after missing two games because of neck spasms. He went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts... OF Jacoby Ellsbury (hip) hasn't played since last Friday. ... LHP CC Sabathia (groin strain) is set for a bullpen session Friday.
UP NEXT
Royals: RHP Edinson Volquez (3-3, 3.89 ERA) starts at home on Friday night against RHP Julio Teheran (0-3, 3.48) and the Braves. Atlanta has only played two games at Kauffman Stadium, both in 2013.
Yankees: RHP Luis Severino (0-5, 6.12) tries again for his first win when he faces ace Chris Sale (7-0, 1.79) and the visiting White Sox on Friday night.
- KANSAS CITY: 3
NEW YORK: 7
Final
May 12 9:53 PM - B.McCann walked on a full count, Au.Romine scored, Gardner to third, S.Castro to second.
Royals 3, Yankees 6 Bot 7, 2 OutsMay 12 9:31 PM - Brian McCann walks. Starlin Castro to second. Brett Gardner to third. Austin Romine scores.
Royals 3, Yankees 7 Bot 7, 2 OutsMay 12 9:31 PM - Starlin Castro singles to right field. Brett Gardner to second. Austin Romine to third. Chase Headley scores.
Royals 3, Yankees 6 Bot 7, 1 OutMay 12 9:26 PM - Alex Gordon singles to left field. Kendrys Morales to second. Eric Hosmer scores.
Royals 3, Yankees 5 Top 5, 2 OutsMay 12 8:35 PM - Didi Gregorius homers to right field. Aaron Hicks scores.
Royals 2, Yankees 5 Bot 4, 2 OutsMay 12 8:24 PM - Christian Colon singles to right field. Cheslor Cuthbert scores.
Royals 2, Yankees 3 Top 4, 2 OutsMay 12 8:12 PM - Chase Headley homers to left field. Carlos Beltran scores.
Royals 0, Yankees 3 Bot 2, 2 OutsMay 12 7:40 PM - Alcides Escobar strikes out swinging.
May 12 7:09 PM
Related News
- Top 100 Yankees: #41 Bobby Murcer Dec 26
- Royals Rumblings - News for December 26, 2023 Dec 26
- Today on Pinstripe Alley - 12/26/23 Dec 26
- NYY News: Yanks in on Yariel Dec 26
- Royals Rundown: Recapping moves, MJ Melendez update, and love/hate new MLB rules? Dec 25
- Ask Pinstripe Alley: Yankees mailbag questions request Dec 25
- Today on Pinstripe Alley - 12/25/23 Dec 25
- NYY News: The bill is due Dec 25
- Yankees Social Media Spotlight: Rest in Peace Dec 24
- On family baseball memories and appreciating every game Dec 24
- Top 100 Yankees: #42 Brett Gardner Dec 24
- What’s on the Yankees’ Christmas wish lists? Dec 24