New York Yankees 2012 regular season review – Part 44
New York Yankees continued the good work in the finale of a three match series against the Kansas City. With momentum on their side, the Yankees used their home conditions absolutely brilliantly to secure a deserving series victory.
Yankees’ pitching rotation, once again, rose to the occasion as it limited the Yankees’ powerful batting lineup to just three runs. Starting pitcher Andy Pettitte had a big impact on the game as he allowed two runs on seven hits in seven solid innings to
grab his second win of the season. Striking out right batters, he continued his dominant form on the mound.
"I feel like I'm moving the ball around the zone, and that makes it difficult to hit," Pettitte said.
"I faced him before he retired and now after he came back, and I actually see things different that he's doing," Royals’ Billy Butler said. "He's throwing more off-speed stuff, more curveballs and changeups. Before it was 90 to 94 (mph) with hard cut in
on you. You knew he was throwing it and he knew you knew he was throwing it, and it was going to beat you. But he's crafted his game and his last two starts have been great."
Relief pitcher David Phelps also played his past in deciding the outcome of the clash as he allowed two hits and one run in two innings of relief, helping the Yankees hold on to a three run lead.
Royals’ starter Wil Smith paid the ultimate price for his errors on the mound as he allowed six hits and five runs in just over five innings to take his first loss of the season. Smith ended up with a forgettable 1.3.50 ERA, allowing the Yankees to take
complete control of the situation.
Outfielder Curtis Granderson provided the Yankees with an excellent start as he homered to right in the first inning to put his side on the board. Alex Rodriguez also made his presence felt with a home run to left in the first.
Slugger mark Teixeira and Rodriguez belted back to back home runs in the third to deny the Royals any chance of coming back into the contest.
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