NEW YORK – Ryan McMahon picked an ideal time for his first extra-base hit of the season, lifting a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning that powered the Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Royals on Friday evening at Yankee Stadium.
Out of the lineup against a right-handed starting pitcher as he continues to work on mechanical swing tweaks, McMahon roared as he rounded the bases, having sent an Alex Lange changeup just over the wall in left field. It was McMahon’s sixth hit of the season.
McMahon’s drive came one half-inning after Camilo Doval surrendered the lead, touched by Vinnie Pasquantino for a game-tying homer that reached the short porch in right field.
Cam Schlittler retired the first 11 batters he faced, limiting Kansas City to an unearned run over six-plus innings before turning the game over to a bullpen that has struggled of late.
Brent Headrick stranded two runners, helped by Ben Rice’s nice play on a foul pop.
Rice launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning to support Schlittler, who scattered three hits with two walks and six strikeouts. Schlittler had allowed six runs and 12 hits over 10 innings in his previous two starts after firing 11 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits allowed to begin the season.