The New York Yankees (9-7) took advantage of the warmer spring weather Monday night, launching four home runs and holding the Kansas City Royals (8-9) to just two hits in a 4-1 series-opening victory at Yankee Stadium.
Carlos Carrasco turned in his best outing of the season, bouncing back from a rough start in Detroit. After working around early walks, he allowed just one run and one hit, a solo shot by Bobby Witt Jr., over five solid innings.
The Yankees’ offense came alive against Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had only allowed two home runs in 14 previous games against New York. Jazz Chisholm Jr. tied the game in the fourth with a solo blast, and the floodgates opened in the fifth as Trent Grisham, Ben Rice, and Austin Wells each went deep, giving New York a 4-1 lead.
The bullpen was sharp, combining for four shutout innings. Fernando Cruz struck out three in the sixth, Tim Hill and Luke Weaver handled the seventh and eighth, and Devin Williams notched his second save with a scoreless ninth.
Rookie Jasson Dominguez made a statement in left field, recording a career-high six putouts, including a leaping grab to rob Salvador Perez.
The Yankees continue their series with Kansas City on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m., with Max Fried set to start for New York opposite Michael Wacha.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].