On Friday night, the New York Yankees secured a much-needed 5-4 victory against the Kansas City Royals. Billy McKinney played a crucial role in the win, hitting a three-run homer and making two key catches in center field.
The Yankees’ offense came alive with three home runs, including shots from Franchy Cordero and Gleyber Torres. This marked the fourth time they hit three homers since Aaron Judge’s injury on June 3. The team has struggled without Judge, going 16-22 in his absence.
Right-hander Clarke Schmidt (6-6) pitched 5 2/3 innings for the Yankees, allowing three runs and five hits. For the Royals, Michael Massey had an impressive game, hitting a three-run homer in the fourth and a solo shot in the eighth, marking his first career multihomer game.
McKinney’s two-out homer in the fourth inning lifted the Yankees to a 4-3 lead. He also made a spectacular sliding catch for the final out of the third inning, preventing a potential hit from Kyle Isbel. McKinney’s versatility in the outfield has been valuable for the team.
Kansas City rookie Alec Marsh (0-4) started for the Royals and gave up five runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Despite the efforts of their young players, the Royals suffered their 11th loss in 14 games.
The Yankees’ Anthony Rizzo, who has been in a slump, worked on his hitting with the team’s new hitting coach, Sean Casey, in early batting practice.
In the next game, New York’s ace Gerrit Cole (9-2, 2.78 ERA) is set to face Kansas City’s Brady Singer (6-8, 5.70 ERA) on Saturday afternoon. The Yankees will be looking to build on their recent win and continue their climb in the standings.
