Austin Wells played a crucial role in the New York Yankees' 10-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals, hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning that tilted the game in the Yankees' favor.
Wells' Three-Run Home Run Tips the Scales
His decisive hit, after a 2-1 fast pitch, went into the right field bleachers, giving the Yankees a 7-4 lead. Wells followed with a towering double in the eighth inning, further extending the lead.
His home run was a key moment, and his enthusiasm was evident as he celebrated, briefly watching the trajectory of the ball, tossing his bat and yelling toward his teammates in the dugout. Wells commented that he had taken a couple of pitches inside the zone and managed to make good contact with the ball, contributing significantly to his team's success.
Aaron Judge also played a crucial role by connecting on a tying single in the seventh inning that allowed Gleyber Torres to score, setting the stage for Wells' decisive home run. Despite going home run-less for 13 games, Judge still managed a big hit. In this game, Judge served as the designated hitter, while Jasson Dominguez occupied center field.
The Yankees offense was on full display, marking the 13th time this season that they scored in double digits. Seven of their runs came in the final three innings, where they took advantage of Royals' errors.
Gleyber Torres contributed a run-scoring single in the eighth inning, and Wells added another towering double that hit off the left-field wall. Earlier, Alex Verdugo connected for a two-run home run in the sixth inning, his second since the All-Star Game, giving the Yankees a brief 3-2 lead.
Kansas City errors
The Yankees also benefited from some defensive miscues by the Royals. Dominguez, after stealing third base, scored on a throwing error by catcher Salvador Perez, further increasing the Yankees' lead.
On the defensive side of the ball, Yankees starter Carlos Rodon allowed four runs, three of them clean, and six hits in six innings. Although not dominant, Rodon kept the game close enough for the offense to take control later.
Jake Cousins prevented a potential Royals comeback by striking out Royals' leadoff hitter Kyle Isbel in the seventh inning, keeping the Yankees in control. Luke Weaver prevented the Royals from attempting a comeback in the eighth inning by leaving two runners on base, while Ian Hamilton closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning, his first appearance since June 16.
For the Royals, the loss marked their sixth consecutive road loss, putting them 3 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in the American League Central standings of the MLB.
Despite a solid offensive performance by Salvador Pérez, who hit 4-4 with a home run and drove in three of Kansas City's four runs, it was not enough to stop the Yankees' advance.
Perez connected on a run-scoring single in the first inning, a home run in the third inning and a tying single in the fifth, but it wasn't enough to slow the Yankees' offensive momentum. Hunter Renfroe gave the Royals a brief 4-3 lead with a solo home run in the sixth inning, but the Yankees quickly erased that lead.
Start your morning by watching Austin Wells' 4-RBI night 👀
Presented by @Delta pic.twitter.com/qJNnJk6Xhj
- New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 10, 2024
Royals Defense Cannot Stop Yankees' Streak
Kansas City's defensive struggles were evident throughout the game. A throwing error by third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. and a miscommunication between Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto contributed to the Yankees' comeback.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro expressed frustration with reliever James McArthur, who, despite having favorable opportunities, was unable to close out innings. McArthur allowed the tying single to Judge and the decisive home run to Wells in the seventh inning, part of a seven-run unanswered run that sealed the Royals' fate.
On the mound, Kansas City starter Brady Singer allowed three runs and five hits in five innings. McArthur, who came on in relief, struggled at critical moments, allowing the Yankees' offensive explosion that decided the game. The Kansas City bullpen was unable to slow down the Yankee offense, and the Yankees took full advantage.
With the win, the Yankees (83-61) extended their lead in the American League East Division to 1 1/2 games over the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles suffered a 12-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox, which helped the Yankees strengthen their lead in the division.
In addition, the Yankees have now surpassed their win total from last season, continuing their momentum toward the playoffs.
Injuries and Next Match
However, not all the news was positive for the Yankees. DJ LeMahieu was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hip impingement, an injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season.
On the other hand, Jon Berti was activated after missing 90 games with a left calf injury, offering the Yankees some depth as they approach the postseason.
Up next for the Royals will be Royals righty Seth Lugo (15-8, 3.08 ERA) against Yankees righty Marcus Stroman (10-7, 4.03 ERA), scheduled for Tuesday. The Yankees will look to continue their momentum while the Royals will try to snap their road losing streak.
