Yankees vs Royals Preview: Week 61 Showdown Under Lights

The Yankees rolled into Kauffman Stadium looking unstoppable. They're riding a three-game winning streak and sitting at 33-22 overall. Yesterday was absolutely bonkers—New York demolished Kansas City 15-1. The Yankees scored four runs in the first inning alone. Home runs flew everywhere. Bellinger, Rosario, Volpe, Grisham, and Chisholm Jr. all went deep. This Yankees offense is firing on all cylinders. Gerrit Cole takes the mound today for New York. Cole missed all of last season with injury. Now he's back to lead the Yankees' elite pitching rotation. Will Kansas City's hitters wake up after that beating?

Kansas City is in rough shape right now. The Royals are 22-33 and just lost their last two games. Yesterday's 15-1 drubbing was humbling. The Royals' pitching staff has serious injury problems. Cole Ragans had a setback on his rehab and is shut down. Kris Bubic is dealing with elbow soreness. Carlos Estevez, their star closer with 42 saves last year, is still recovering from shoulder surgery. The bullpen is stretched thin. Noah Cameron takes the ball for Kansas City today. Can the Royals' hitters bounce back and stay competitive against Cole?

This is a pitching duel you want to watch. Gerrit Cole is back from injury and ready to show why he's an ace. Cole missed last season but has the stuff to dominate any lineup. Noah Cameron takes the mound for Kansas City. The Yankees' rotation could be one of the strongest in the American League when healthy. Max Fried has been incredible in his first season with New York. Carlos Rodón adds another star arm. New York's pitching depth is scary good. Kansas City needs to figure out their hitting fast. Will the Royals' bats finally connect today?