Yankees Dominate Royals 10-2 in Jac Caglianone’s Big League Debut
The New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals faced off in front of an almost sold-out crowd, largely energized by the much-anticipated major league debut of Royals prospect Jac Caglianone. Yankees fans, especially packed along the third-base side in the lower bowl, were loud and jubilant. Royals fans, unfortunately, had less to cheer about as their team was overwhelmed in a 10-2 defeat, powered by a red-hot Austin Wells who drove in five runs.
Heading into the game, Max Fried was riding an impressive streak, boasting a 1.65 ERA over his last 76.1 innings. Royals starter Noah Cameron had an even more eye-popping 0.85 ERA, but his underlying metrics suggested a regression was coming.
Sure enough, it came quickly. In the very first inning, Cameron walked Trent Grisham on four pitches, then faced Aaron Judge. As many expected, Cameron fell behind in the count and Judge delivered a thunderous 94 mph fastball homer, sending the Yankees up 2-0 with a booming shot that left left fielder Mark Canha rooted to the spot. It was a moment to appreciate one of baseball’s best hitters in full command.
The Royals briefly sparked some hope in the bottom of the second inning, scoring their first run on a series of scrappy plays. Vinnie Pasquantino beat out a bunt single, followed by a Salvador Perez popup that dropped between three Yankees, and a fielder’s choice put runners at the corners with one out. Jac Caglianone then came through with a broken-bat RBI groundout, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
That momentum was short-lived. In the fourth inning, the Yankees delivered the knockout blow. Jasson Dominguez reached on a popup that landed awkwardly between first, second, and right field — dubbed the “Lo Cain triangle.” DJ LeMahieu followed with a sharp single up the middle. After a long 10-pitch at-bat, Austin Wells smashed a three-run homer, pushing the Yankees ahead 5-1.
The sixth inning saw chaos unfold for the Royals. Jazz Chisholm Jr. doubled, prompting the exit of Noah Cameron. Reliever Taylor Clarke took over, and Chisholm stole third base—knocking his head in the process. LeMahieu walked, and then Wells doubled in both runners, making it 7-1.
By then, Royals fans were stunned as the Yankees continued to pile on runs, eventually leading 10-1. Jonathan India hit a solo homer to make it 10-2, but the game was well out of reach.
This matchup was a clear example of the Royals being outmatched by a stronger opponent. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially with so many fans in attendance, but it’s been a recurring theme recently. Over the last two seasons—including playoffs—the Royals have played 14 games in front of 30,000+ fans at Kauffman Stadium and have won only four.
On the bright side, Tyler Tolbert recorded his first major league hit, and Jac Caglianone made his first putout after moving to first base. Small milestones in an otherwise tough night.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s game!