Sep 12, 2024

Royals battle hard against Yankees but fall 3-2 in extra innings

Posted Sep 12, 2024 1:29 AM

By MATT PIKE

St. Joseph Post\

The Kansas City Royals battled with the New York Yankees to claim the rubber match of a three game series, but fell in 11 innings 3-2 at Yankee Stadium. 

The Royals opened the scoring in the fourth inning on a solo home run from second baseman Michael Massey, and would hold that lead until the sixth inning. 

In the bottom of the sixth the Bronx bombers would get a home run of their own, a two run homer from Juan Soto that scored Gleyber Torres to give the Yankees a 2-1 lead.  But the Royals would tie it up the very next inning, a sacrifice fly from Salvador Perez scoring Kyle Isbel. 

Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans pitched six innings, giving up two runs and striking out seven before he was relieved by Sam Long.  Long and Erceg would combine for three shutout innings, forcing the game into extra innings. 

In the top of the 10th, the Royals would take the lead back, a wild pitch from reliever Jake Cousins bringing home Dairon Blanco.  But the Yankees would tie the game yet again in the bottom half, a sacrifice fly from Austin Wells scoring Anthony Volpe, who started out the inning at second base. 

After Kansas City went scoreless in the top of the 11th, the Yankees would get a walkoff victory as Jazz Chisolm singled and drove in Jon Berti. 

Kris Bubic would blow his third save of the year and take his first loss.  Tommy Pham was the leading hitter for the Royals going 3 for 4. 

Kansas City is off on Thursday and will return to action on Friday, traveling to Pittsburgh for a matchup with the Pirates.  Luis Ortiz is scheduled to take the mound for Pittsburgh, the Royals have not announced a starter. First pitch will be at 5:40pm