New York Yankees Recap: Pineda Struggles, Hicks Shines in 7-3 Loss

After winning the first two games of a four-game set, the New York Yankees (13-18) took on the Kansas City Royals (15-17) on Wednesday night.  On the mound for the Yankees was Michael Pineda (1-3, 5.73), who would look to get his season back on track.  He faced off against Yordano Ventura (2-2, 4.65), who was on the mound for the Royals.

The Yankees won the first two games on Monday and Tuesday night against the reigning World Champion Royals.  The Bombers hoped to continue to a three-game win streak and a series win on Wednesday night.

Alcides Escobar led off the first with a single, but would get thrown out stealing.  Michael Pineda would then hit Lorenzo Cain, who would move to third on a single by Eric Hosmer; a single that went right under the glove of Dustin Ackley, which could have been an inning-ending double play.

Kendrys Morales would walk to load the bases.  Cain would score on an Alex Gordon sacrifice fly, giving the Royals a 1-0 lead, follow by a bases-clearing three-run homer by Salvador Perez, extending the Royals lead to 4-0.  The Yankees were not able to respond, going down 1-2-3 in the bottom half.

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The bottom of the second kicked off with a bang as Carlos Beltran smashed a homer to right center field.  Aaron Hicks hit a one out single, and would score on a two out bloop single by Chase Headley.  The Yankees would load the bases for Starlin Castro, but he grounded out on a nice play by Escobar.  That would be it for New York in the second.  The Yankees would trail 4-2 after two.

Hicks led off the fourth with a line drive single to left field, on the very next pitch advanced to second on a wild pitch, and to third on a ground out by Didi Gregorius.  What looked like a another good scoring opportunity for New York again failed to be as neither Headley or Ben Gamel could get the run in.

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Brett Gardner would walk to lead off the fifth and advanced to third on a double by Castro.  Brian McCann ground out to Hosmer at first, scoring Gardner.  After five innings, the Yankees were able to cut the Royals lead to one, trailing 4-3.

Perez would walk to lead off the top of the sixth but would get out on a double play.  With two outs, the Royals get to work.  Christian Colon would walk and advance to second on a Jarrod Dyson single to left.  That would be it for Pineda.  Nick Goody would replace him.  Goody would quickly hit Escobar, loading the bases.  He would then give up a two-run base hit to Cain, extending the Royals lead to three as they led 6-3 after the top of the fifth.

Pineda would be charged with the loss as he continued to struggle with command of his pitches on Wednesday night.  After just three innings, Pineda totaled 63 pitches with 36 in the first inning alone.  He would ultimately throw 114 pitches in 5.2 innings of work.

Pineda allowed six runs on six hits, walked four and struck out seven batters; four runs and four hits in the first inning alone.  Once he settled down a bit, he allowed two runs and two hits over the next 4.2 innings.  Figure out the first inning, Pineda.

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Morales would give the Royals a 7-3 lead in the seventh with a solo shot to right, his fourth of the year.

Yordano Ventura would be done after six innings.  He would get the win, allowing three runs on six hits, three walks and one strikeout.

On a positive note tonight, Hicks continued to swing the bat well going 3-for-4 with three singles and a run scored.  Regular playing time since the injury to Jacoby Ellsbury is doing him well.  Girardi should continue to play him, even once Ellsbury is set for a return.

Thursday’s game will showcase Ian Kennedy (4-2, 2.13 ERA) on the mound for the Royals, and Nathan Eovaldi (2-2, 4.78 ERA) for the Yankees as the Yankees look to take the series.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.