KANSAS CITY, MO – The New York Yankees extended their dominance over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory to complete a three-game sweep and move to a season-high 17 games over .500. The decisive run came in the eighth inning on a wild play, capitalized on by Pablo Reyes and a throwing error by Royals reliever Lucas Erceg.
The Yankees, now 42-25 and boasting the best road record in the majors at 21-13, have been a thorn in the Royals’ side all season, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record against them after eliminating Kansas City 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October.
Pitching and defense were the stars for New York. Will Warren and four relievers combined on a masterful five-hitter, backed by some brilliant defensive plays. Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) earned the win with one out, and Devin Williams notched his ninth save, freezing touted rookie Jac Caglianone with a full-count fastball for a called third strike to end the game.
The lone run of the contest unfolded in the eighth inning after a 28-minute rain delay in the top of the sixth. With two outs and runners on first and second, Paul Goldschmidt hit a single that deflected off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Pasquantino tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the throw.
During the chaotic sequence, Pablo Reyes, rounding third, stumbled and changed direction twice before sliding home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate, giving the Yankees the crucial run.
Both starters, Seth Lugo for the Royals and Will Warren for the Yankees, delivered strong performances, each pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Lugo allowed just two hits, while Warren permitted four.
Despite the loss, Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino continued his impressive offensive tear, extending his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games.
The Royals squandered multiple opportunities to take the lead, leaving runners on first and second with nobody out in the second inning and a runner at third with one out in the fifth.
New York’s sweep marks the third time in their 57-year history they’ve swept a season series from the Royals. The Yankees have now won 19 of the past 20 series between the two clubs.
Looking ahead, the Royals will aim to bounce back on Friday at home, with right-hander Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) taking the mound against Athletics right-hander Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77). Pregame coverage on Superstar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM KQNK begins at 6:30 p.m. CDT, with first pitch from Kauffman Stadium at 7:10 p.m. CDT.
