Live Updates and Analysis: Yankees vs Royals Game Today

The Yankees rallied late to beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Friday night. Ryan McMahon, a defensive replacement in the eighth, belted a two-run homer to put New York ahead.

Game summary

Cam Schlittler delivered a strong start for the Yankees. He retired most batters through four innings and worked into the sixth.

Ben Rice supplied early offense with a two-run homer in the fourth. His blast came off Michael Wacha and gave New York a 2-0 lead.

Key moments

• Trent Grisham misplayed a long drive in center in the sixth. The drop led to runners at second and third.
• Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out solo homer in the eighth to tie the game. That was his second homer of the season.
• Ryan McMahon answered with a two-run opposite-field shot in the eighth. It was his first homer and first extra-base hit of the year.

Pitching and bullpen notes

Schlittler reached about 65 pitches by the sixth inning. He left with the Yankees leading, after retiring 12 of the first 13 Royals he faced.

Camilo Doval entered in the eighth to protect a slim lead. Doval gave up Pasquantino’s tying homer, his second long ball allowed in eight innings this season.

David Bednar came on in the ninth to try to close the game. He worked to preserve the 4-2 advantage in the final frame.

Opposing starter and context

Michael Wacha drew the start for Kansas City. Historically, Wacha has had tougher results against left-handed batters (.664 OPS) than righties (.760).

The Royals plan lefty starters on Saturday and Sunday. Noah Cameron is lined up for Saturday and Cole Ragans for Sunday.

Player status and lineup implications

Ryan McMahon had struggled before this game. He entered with a .119 average and no extra-base hits in 42 at-bats.

Manager Aaron Boone said McMahon has been working on small stance changes in batting practice. The team hopes that leads to improved production.

Given upcoming lefty-heavy matchups, McMahon may see reduced starts. The roster could rotate because of those planned opposing lefty starters.

Other notable items

• Ben Rice made a difficult over-the-shoulder catch in foul ground. That came on a pinch-hit popup late in the game.
• A defensive miscue led to an unearned run in the sixth. Maikel Garcia scored on Pasquantino’s groundout.
• Gerrit Cole made a rehab start at Double-A Somerset. He threw four innings and 40 pitches, allowing three runs and recording three strikeouts.

Filmogaz.com provided Live Updates and Analysis: Yankees vs Royals Game Today. The site tracked late-inning swings and pitching performances.