Aug 14, 2020; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees
With a 6-4 record in their last ten games, the Yankees are officially trending in the right direction. They welcomed in the Kansas City Royals today for the opener of a three-game set in The Bronx.
Batting third in his first game back from the IL, Luke Voit certainly made his presence felt as he sent one deep into the left-field seats on the first pitch he saw.
1st pitch he saw.
Luke nuke. pic.twitter.com/qkTbY0MDhb
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 22, 2021
With Yankee ace Gerrit Cole toeing the rubber, Kyle Higashioka got the start behind the dish over Gary Sanchez. Being that Sanchez is currently wielding one of the hottest bats in baseball, Higashioka had some big shoes to fill. He didn’t disappoint in his first at-bat of the evening, connecting on a 3-2 sinker that gave the Bombers an early 2-0 lead.
High-Sock Higgy. pic.twitter.com/N1tlt0m3Ap
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 22, 2021
Speaking of Gerrit Cole, the hard-throwing right-hander looked good — but not great — to start. An RBI fielder’s choice courtesy of Whit Merrifield brought the Royals within 1 in the top of the 3rd, and a solo shot off the bat of Ryan O’Hearn would tie the contest at 2 in the following frame. Cole would settle into his usual self and keep the Royals at bay through the 7th inning, allowing just those 2 runs on 3 hits, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts.
Aaron Boone’s decision to yank a rolling Cole after 7 innings proved costly, as his successor Jonathan Loaisiga would allow the Royals to pull away in the top of the 8th on 5 hits and 4 earned runs.
Despite a run-scoring wild pitch in the 7th and a DJ LeMahieu two-run jack in the 8th, Kansas City wouldn’t look back, coming away with a 6-5 win in The Bronx to start off the series. For the hometown Bombers, it was another wasted good outing from their horse Gerrit Cole. They’ll aim to even up up the three-game set tomorrow with another 7:05 PM first pitch. Left-hander Danny Duffy will start the game for the visiting Royals while the Yankees will send out young righty Michael King.
FINAL: Royals 6, Yankees 5
W: Brentz (2-0)
L: Loaisiga (7-3)
S: Holland (5)
