In a thrilling matchup, Ryan McMahon's two-run homer in the eighth inning lifted the New York Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. McMahon, who had struggled earlier in the season with only five hits, came off the bench to deliver a clutch performance when it mattered most. The Yankees had taken an early lead thanks to Ben Rice's home run in the fourth inning, which put them ahead 2-0. Cam Schlittler showcased his talent on the mound, throwing 6.1 innings and allowing just one unearned run while striking out six batters. Despite having multiple scoring opportunities, the Yankees struggled with runners in scoring position, finishing 0-for-5 in that category. The Royals managed to tie the game in the eighth with a home run from Vinnie Pasquantino before McMahon's heroics sealed the win for New York. The Yankees now have 27 stolen bases, leading the American League, with Jose Caballero claiming the top spot in the league with nine steals. The teams will face off again in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday.