NEW YORK — Just when you thought the Yankees were turning a corner, year-long issues reappeared in a 7-3 loss to the Royals at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night: Michael Pineda's struggles and an inconsistent offense.
Early on, it was Kansas City's offense providing the first jab—something all too familiar for Pineda. The first four hitters reached to start the game with the only out coming on a caught stealing. Alex Gordon's sacrifice fly plated Kansas City's first run, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead. The next batter, catcher Salvador Perez, crushed a three-run home run to left field to give the Royals a 4-0 lead.