KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The New York Yankees (15-13, 8-7 away) rocked the Kansas City Royals (9-18, 2-12 home) 10-4 on Sunday afternoon, splitting the four-game series at Kauffman Stadium.
The Bronx Bombers certainly lived up to their nickname.
In the third inning, Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano hammered a grand slam to right field. Moments later, Yankees designated hitter Nick Swisher got loose with a solo HR to right field, giving New York a commanding 7-1 lead.
Royals starter Luke Hochevar (2-3, 9.00 ERA) got hammered. He tossed 2 1/3 innings, gave up seven runs on seven hits, walked one, and struck out none.
Hochevar was relieved by Luis Mendoza (1-2, 5.56 ERA), who also struggled. Mendoza pitched 4 2/3 innings, gave up two runs on three hits, struck out three, and walked five.
Yankees starter Phil Hughes (2-4, 6.67 ERA) kept the Royals in check for most of the game. Hughes went 6 2/3 innings, gave up three runs on six hits, struck out seven, and walked one.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez jacked a three-run bomb off Royals reliever Tommy Hottovy (3.38 ERA) in the eighth, giving the Yankees a 10-3 lead.
The Royals start a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox (11-16, 7-6 away) on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Royals left-handed pitcher Jonathan Sanchez (1-1, 5.24 ERA) is slated to start against Red Sox lefty Felix Doubront (1-1, 5.19 ERA).
