Ryan McMahon’s two-run homer lifts Yankees over Royals

TL;DR

Ryan McMahon hit a two-run homer, leading the Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Royals. This marked McMahon's first extra-base hit of the 2026 season.

Key points

Ryan McMahon hit a two-run homer
Yankees won 4-2 against the Royals
McMahon's first extra-base hit of the season
He had been struggling with a .119 batting average

Ryan McMahonNew York YankeesKansas City Royals

(Evan Bernstein/Getty Images North America/TNS)

NEW YORK — Ryan McMahon’s struggles have been well documented during the early parts of his 2026 season.

The third baseman entered the night hitting .119 with just five singles to account for.

He had yet to have an extra-base hit until Friday night — a go-ahead, two-run home run that helped the Yankees secure a 4-2 win against the Kansas City Royals.

McMahon started the night on the bench and came in for Amed Rosario as a defensive substitution in the top of the eighth. The move turned out to be instant offense in the bottom of the frame for McMahon, who took Royals reliever Alex Lange deep on a change-up near the center of the zone.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s move proved costly for his team, which avoided a two-game skid with the series-opening win against the Royals.

The scoring began in the bottom of the fourth inning with Ben Rice’s two-run home run off of Royals starter Michael Wacha. It was the sixth homer and 16th RBI of the season for Rice, who entered the series opener slashing .327/.331./.482.

The 2-0 score gave Yankees starter Cam Schlittler some cushion, but Maikel Garcia got a run of his own on Vinnie Pasquantino’s groundout in the sixth inning.

Q&A

What was the score of the Yankees vs Royals game?

The Yankees won the game against the Royals with a score of 4-2.

Who hit the two-run homer for the Yankees?

Ryan McMahon hit the two-run homer that helped the Yankees secure their victory.

What was Ryan McMahon's batting average before the game?

Before the game, Ryan McMahon had a batting average of .119.