The Yankees are back in the win column again as they beat the Royals 5-1 Tuesday. New York was lead by a quality start from right-hander Adam Warren, who pitched into the seventh inning. Mark Teixeira carried the Yankees offense with a two-run home run in the first inning against Royals starter Jason Vargas and a two-run double in the fifth inning off Joe Blanton. With Tampa Bay losing to Seattle in extra innings, the victory moved the Yankees back into first place by a half game in the American League East.
Warren gave up only two hits in six and 1/3 innings while striking out five. Dellin Betances struck out the side in the eighth inning. Betances hasn’t allowed a hit in his last nine and 2/3 innings pitched.
Top WPA Play: The Yankees continue to score in the first inning as Teixeira’s home run (+.203) gave them a league leading 50 runs in the first inning this season.
Key Moment: This isn’t really a key moment, but Betances is filthy.
He blows away Salvador Perez with a 99 mph fastball, then gets Paulo Orlando chasing a slider in the dirt to end the inning.
And here’s a great catch Lorenzo Cain made in the fifth inning to take a hit away from Carlos Beltran.
And here’s Teixeira reacting to the catch.
Up Next: The Yankees three-game series with the Royals will conclude Wednesday afternoon in the Bronx. Michael Pineda (5-2, 3.59 ERA) is set to take the mound against Chris Young (4-0, 0.78 ERA) before the Yankees head to the west coast and face the Oakland Athletics.
(Photo: Adam Hunger-USA Today Sports)