New York Yankees 2012 regular season review – Part 28
With home conditions working in their favour, Kansas City Royals were the firm favourites to emerge victorious in the finale but New York Yankees played out of their skins to level up the series 2-2.
In an offensive outburst, Yankees’ batting lineup scored runs freely in the finale on May 6. After Royals took a 1-0 lead for as short period of time, outfielder Raul Ibanez singled to right in the second inning to put his side on the board. Curtis Granderson also had a decent time on the mound as he earned an RBI single to right in the third inning.
Robinson Cano and outfielder Nick Swisher hit back to back home runs in the third inning to give Yankees an impassable 7-1 lead. Alex Gordon singled to centre and catcher Humberto Quintero homered to centre to keep Royals’ home alive. However, the night belonged to the Royals. Alex Rodriguez homered for three runs in the eighth to help the Yankees avoid a collapse.
Yankees’ starter Phil Hughes had a great time on the mound as he gave up just three runs on six hits in six plus innings to claim his second win of the season. Striking out seven batters, Hughes created all sorts of problems for the Royals’ offence.
"Great to see that from the middle of the order," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "We know what these guys are capable of doing and eventually it's going to come."
"It took a huge day by Robbie to get us back on track," Swisher said. "It's just what we needed. These guys have been doing it their entire careers. We're not stressed about it."
"I kind of got into a groove after the second inning," Hughes said. "The few times there were guys in scoring position, I was able to execute my pitches and get out of jams."
Relief pitchers Boone Logan, Rafael Soriano and Cory Wade combined to give up just one run in two plus innings and the Yankee held on to their six run lead. Royals’ starter Luke Hochevar had a forgettable outing as he allowed seven hits and seven runs in two plus ineffective innings.
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