The New York Yankees continued their dominance over the Kansas City Royals with a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory on May 25, 2026, thanks to Anthony Volpe’s timely two-run single in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium.
Why it matters: This win extends the Yankees' winning streak against the Royals to 12 games, a remarkable feat that highlights New York's recent form and their quest for postseason success.
New York's victory marks their 11th consecutive regular-season win against Kansas City, dating back to 2024.
The Yankees are now 32-22 for the season, positioning them second in the AL East.
This game was a key part of a three-game series against the Royals, who sit at 22-32 in the AL Central.
Driving the news: The game was tightly contested, with Bobby Witt Jr. giving the Royals a brief lead with a leadoff homer in the eighth inning off Jake Bird, breaking a 2-2 tie.
Volpe’s game-winning hit came after a one-out infield single by Paul Goldschmidt and a double from Jazz Chisholm Jr., placing runners at second and third.
With the count at 1-2, Volpe delivered a clutch single to left field, sealing the victory for the Yankees.
State of play: The Yankees initially took a 2-0 lead early in the game. Cody Bellinger hit a solo home run in the second inning, followed by an RBI single from José Caballero.
The Royals responded with runs in the second and sixth innings, including a sacrifice fly from Michael Massey and a game-tying homer from Salvador Perez, who matched George Brett’s stadium record with his 136th home run at Kauffman Stadium.
Will Warren pitched six innings for the Yankees, allowing two runs and showing resilience throughout the game.
The big picture: The Yankees' victory is not just about the win; it reflects their ability to perform under pressure, especially with key players like Volpe stepping up when it counts.
Manager Aaron Boone praised Volpe’s performance, emphasizing his dedication and hard work: “He’s a gamer. He’s a tough kid and continues to work his tail off.”
This win also builds momentum as the Yankees look to complete a season sweep against the Royals with another game scheduled for May 26.
What they're saying: Following the game, Volpe expressed his satisfaction with contributing to the team’s success.
“It just felt great to contribute and help the team win,” Volpe said. “You do it for this, for the guys. I’m just trying to go out there and compete.”
Goldschmidt’s infield hit was also a highlight, with Boone noting, “Goldy gets rewarded there... he’s able to beat it out.”
By the numbers: Several statistics stood out during the game, emphasizing both teams' performances.
The Yankees have now won 12 straight games against the Royals, which includes the clinching game of the 2024 AL Divisional Series.
Warren’s performance included three walks but showed growth as he managed to limit damage, allowing only two runs in six innings.
New York had multiple opportunities to score but left runners stranded in the third and fourth innings, illustrating their struggle with capitalizing on chances.
What's next: The Yankees will face the Royals again on May 26, with Cam Schlittler taking the mound for New York.
Schlittler enters the game with a 6-2 record and a 1.50 ERA, leading the American League in pitching Wins Above Replacement.
The Royals are expected to utilize a bullpen game, starting with lefty Bailey Falter, who has struggled this season with a 9.82 ERA.
Fans can catch the action live on YES Network and Royals.TV, or stream it via Fubo.