Yankees 9, Royals 7
Robinson Cano hit a three-run homer and drove in four runs as the New York Yankees moved into first place in the American League East by outlasting the host Kansas City Royals 9-7 on Tuesday night.
Derek Jeter and Russell Martin drove in two runs apiece to help a shaky Ivan Nova win his fourth straight start and extend his winning streak to eight games.
Nova (12-4) was roughed up for seven runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. He hasn't lost since June 3.
Cano’s three-run blast off rookie Danny Duffy (3-7) capped a five-run fourth as New York won its third straight to move one-half game ahead of Boston. Cano extended his hitting streak to eight and has five multi-hit games in his last six.
Mariano Rivera secured his 32nd save for the Yankees, who got 3 2/3 hitless innings from their bullpen.
Jeff Francouer had three hits and two RBIs for the Royals, who tumbled to their fourth straight defeat and eighth in nine games.
Duffy absorbed his third straight loss, allowing eight runs in three-plus innings.