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New York Yankees: Michael Pineda’s Struggles Continue vs. Kansas City Royals

By Kenneth Teape

May 11, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) reacts after giving up a three run home run to Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (not pictured) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda (35) reacts after giving up a three run home run to Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (not pictured) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees got stuck in an early hole they were unable to get out of as Michael Pineda struggled mightily again against the Kansas City Royals.

The New York Yankees came into Wednesday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals riding some momentum. They had taken the first two games of the series, which followed a series victory over the rival Boston Red Sox. But, a lot of that momentum was undone Wednesday, as Michael Pineda saw his struggles continue again.

Pineda has been consistently inconsistent this season. In his first six starts of the season, Pineda had horrific starts of at least six runs allowed followed by two starts allowing only two runs. Tonight was time for one of those horrific starts, as Pineda put the Yankees in a hole before they even took the plate.

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The Royals jumped on Pineda early, as the first four batters reached base, and the first out only came because Alcides Escobar was caught attempting to steal second base. The second out would come courtesy of an Alex Gordon sac fly, which scored Lorenzo Cain. Salvador Perez would then deliver the big blow, as he launched a three-run home run into left field.

Pineda would surrender one more hit to Cheslor Cuthbert before striking out Christian Colon to end the inning. All in all, Pineda allowed six base runners in the first inning, putting the Yankees in a 4-0 hole before they even had their first hacks at the plate.

The Yankees would claw their way back into the game, as they cut the deficit to one run heading into the sixth inning as Carlos Beltran homered, Chase Headley had an RBI single and Brian McCann had an RBI groundout.

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Pineda would not be able to hold the deficit there though, as he struggled again in the sixth inning. After walking Perez, he was erased when Cuthbert grounded into a double play. But he would then walk Colon, who was followed up by Jarrod Dyson, who dumped a single into left field.

Pineda would be lifted from the game at that point in favor of Nick Goody. Goody would not get the job done, as he hit Escobar with a pitch before giving up a two-RBI single to Cain to open the game back up.

The Yankees tried to get back into the game tonight, but it was pretty much over before it even got started for the Bronx Bombers as Pineda had another poor performance on the mound.

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Despite the injuries in the rotation and inconsistencies of other teammates, Pineda’s spot in the rotation should be warming up as he now has a 1-4 record with a 6.28 ERA.

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