KANSAS CITY, MO – Aaron Judge continued his prodigious power display with a home run for the third consecutive game, while Clarke Schmidt delivered a stellar outing on the mound, guiding the New York Yankees to a comfortable 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.
The Yankees’ offense exploded for five runs in the second inning, highlighted by a pair of RBIs from Paul Goldschmidt, as New York improved to a perfect 5-0 against the Royals this season. The Yankees have now won 12 of their last 15 contests against Kansas City dating back to the start of last season, including a playoff series triumph.
Schmidt (3-3) was the undisputed star for the Yankees, baffling Royals hitters over six strong innings, surrendering just two hits and allowing only one runner to reach second base – that courtesy of his own balk. He fanned seven batters and remains undefeated in six regular-season appearances against Kansas City. Devin Williams secured the final two outs to notch his eighth save of the season.
Royals starter Kris Bubic (5-4) initially appeared poised for a pitching duel, retiring the side in order in the first inning. However, his fortunes quickly turned in the second, as he surrendered five runs on four hits and two walks. He ultimately lasted just 4 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and four walks.
Judge’s latest blast, off reliever Steven Cruz, followed a two-homer performance on Sunday against Boston and a 469-foot shot in Tuesday’s series opener. The two-time MVP has now driven in eight runs in this three-game span.
While the Royals offense largely struggled, Salvador Perez provided a late spark with a two-run homer in a three-run ninth inning. Prior to that, Kansas City’s most notable highlight came in the fifth inning with a dazzling defensive play. With the bases loaded and one out, DJ LeMahieu hit a sharp grounder to third. Maikel Garcia, while falling, made a remarkable throw to second from his backside, initiating a relay to first by Jonathan India that resulted in an inning-ending double play.
A questionable call by plate umpire Lance Barrett in the second inning, where what would have been the third strike to Jazz Chisholm was called a ball, proved costly for the Royals. Chisholm drew a walk, and the Yankees capitalized, sending 10 batters to the plate in what became the decisive frame. Chisholm later exited the game with left groin tightness.
The Royals, now at .500 with a 34-34 record, have stumbled to a 10-18 mark after an impressive 16-2 run in April and May.
The series concludes on Thursday night with Yankees right-hander Will Warren (4-3, 5.34 ERA) taking the mound against Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (3-5, 3.46 ERA). Pregame coverage on Superstar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM KQNK begins at 6:00 p.m. CDT, with first pitch from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CDT.
