Luis Severino struggled, the Yankees couldn't consistently hit with runners on base as the team lose to the Royals 10-5 in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader. >> Box score
Things to know about today's game
1) Normally, a handful of runs is plenty for Severino. But not lately. The struggles continue for the Yankees' ace as Severino gave up six runs in 4.1 innings.
2) Giancarlo Stanton homered and came feet away from a game-swinging grand slam when the Yankees were down two in the sixth inning, as his fly ball was caught on the right field warning track.
3) Adam Warren was stellar in relief of Severino, getting straight eight outs. But David Robertson allowed a three-run home run in the eighth just as the Yankees nearly tied the game the inning prior.
4) Neil Walker, who went 3-4 at the plate, played right field for two innings for the first time in his career.
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The makeshift Game 1 offense and Warren almost got the game all the way back, but a late homer did in the rally.
Severino has to go back to the drawing board. Whether he is tipping pitches (I'm not certain he is) or he's simply gassed (I'm more convinced he is), the Yankees' ace needs to get on top of what has made him a very hittable pitcher of late. Severino was well on his way to a dominant season, but that has gone by the wayside over his last four starts in which he has now allowed 20 runs (19 earned).
Warren was fantastic in relief of Severino and the offense clawed its way back to within a run, but it could have been more before the deficit grew. Gleyber Torres tried to take an extra base that he had no shot of grabbing, but the dagger in this game came off a Robertson cut fastball that didn't move until it was launched into the seats.
The Yankees continue to play down against poor opposition and will have to come back tonight in the second game of the doubleheader, hopefully with the A-squad on the field.
What's next...
The Yankees play another game on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.