KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Luke Voit had a two-run single in New York’s three-run first inning and the Yankees beat Kansas City 5-2 on Wednesday for their 12th straight series victory over the Royals.
Chad Green (6-5) got the victory in relief as New York took two of three from Kansas City. Zach Britton earned his first save of the season.
The game-time temperature was 93 degrees with a heat index of 102, the third straight game with a heat index above 100. The heat might have factored in sloppy play by the Yankees, who had three errors.
“There were a lot of good things happening today,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Obviously, all the bullpen guys came up big for us. To throw a three-spot in the first was huge.
“Overall, we didn’t play very well today, and we’re fortunate to get out of here with another win.”
Brady Singer (3-8) took the loss. He allowed five runs on 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings.
“It was one of those starts where he wasn’t sharp,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. “He couldn’t locate the fastball. He had pretty good movement, but his slider didn’t have the bite he wanted. He was in a mess every single inning.”
Yankees starter Lucas Luetge made his first career start after making 152 career appearances as a reliever. He allowed one run on two hits in two innings. According to Elias, Luetge was just the sixth pitcher in franchise history to start a game after making his first 152 appearances out of the bullpen.
“It was definitely different,” Leutge said. “I had to change my whole routine from what I was used to. It was a little nerve-wracking. It was something we knew was coming with a bullpen day. I knew when I didn’t pitch last night it was a possibility, so I was a little prepared for it.”
Voit’s two-run single capped the three-run first. Singer walked D.J. LeMahieu leading off. With one out, Aaron Judge singled and Joey Gallo walked. After Voit singled in LeMahieu and Judge, Rougned Odor singled in Gallo.
The Royals answered with one in the bottom of the first. Whit Merrifield led off with a single, then had his major league-leading 33rd stolen base. He went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a groundout by Salvador Perez.
Merrifield tied the Royals’ record with his 33rd consecutive steal (Carlos Beltran, 1999-2001). Merrifield was caught stealing on his first attempt this season and hadn’t been caught since. The streak was snapped in the seventh when he over-slid second.
The Yankees lead the majors with 22 stolen bases since the All Star break, including two Wednesday from Tyler Wade.
“It’s definitely a different dynamic,” Boone said about the team’s baserunning. “It’s a different element at times we haven’t had. We try to take advantage and (Wade) has done a really good job of that.”
The Yankees extended the lead in the fourth. Wade led off with a double and stole third. He scored on a single by LeMahieu, who scored on a single by Judge, the final batter to face Singer.
