Yankees Extend AL East Lead, Win Series Over Royals Amid Key Player Injuries

The New York Yankees continued their dominance over the Kansas City Royals with a 6-3 victory, improving to 5-0 against them this season and setting up a series sweep. Clarke Schmidt delivered a strong pitching performance with six scoreless innings and seven strikeouts, helping the Yankees maintain their lead atop the AL East. The Yankees' offense exploded early with a five-run second inning against Royals' starter Kris Bubic, who had the best ERA in the American League before the game. The team faced some challenges as key players Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. were both left out of the lineup for the series finale, with Judge resting ahead of a crucial series against the Boston Red Sox and Chisholm sidelined due to groin tightness following an injury during the game. Despite Chisholm's struggles and absence, the Yankees showcased depth with players like Oswald Peraza stepping in at third base and Pablo Reyes starting at second. The Yankees appear poised to maintain their strong form as they prepare to face their rivals at Fenway Park.