Yanks Back in the Swing of Things?
Yanks get power and pitching to down Royals
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27- Just last week the New York Yankees had issues with every aspect of the game and the result was a six-game losing streak and falling out of first place to Tampa Bay. But these last two games against the Kansas City Royals in the Bronx have resembled a team that is ready for another winning streak.
After routing the American League champion Royals 14-1 Monday afternoon, the Yankees picked up from the day before and won their second straight, 5-1 over the Royals Tuesday night. Once again the Yankees scored in the first inning. Mark Teixeira hit his team leading 14th home run to left off Royals’ lefty Jason Vargas, a two-run homer that scored Alex Rodriguez who walked.
The Yankees lead Major League Baseball with 50-first inning runs this season, but more importantly these last two wins have come against a team that came to the Bronx with the overall best overall record in baseball, 28-17.
Right hander Adam Warren (3-3) got the win. He allowed two hits, and a run in 6.1 innings. Paulo Orlando accounted for the lone Kansas City run when he hit his first career home run off Warren tin the sixth inning to right-field.
Warren has recorded quality starts in his last three outings and the two hits were the lowest he has allowed as a starter in his career. In his four career appearances against the Royals, including one start, Warren has a combined 1.38 ERA.
“I think you are starting to see him get more comfortable,” commented Yankees manager Joe Girardi about Warren. “He’s pitching as well as anyone in the rotation.”
The Yankees pitching staff that gave up 30- runs combined in three losses to Texas last week, saw their bullpen also pitch scoreless ball. Dellin Betances struck out the side swinging in the eighth inning and extended his club record to 22- consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run,
Teixeira, 2-for-4 tied his season high with four runs batted in. He also doubled in the fifth inning and of his 36 hits this season, 23 have gone for extra bases.
On his production in the Yankees first 46 games, something that was absent from the lineup last season because of recurring injuries to his right wrist, Teixeira said: “If I stay healthy then I know I will produce. I didn’t have fun the last two years so this has been nice.”
The Yankees go for the three-game series sweep wednesday afternoon before embarking on a seven-game road trip to Oakland and Seattle. Michael Pineda, 5-2, will take the mound for New York and look to break a two game losing streak. Right-hander Chris Young, 4-0 will be on the mound for the Royals to try and prevent the sweep.
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