Yanks' Drop Series Opener to Royals

David Phelps delivers a pitch Thursday Night. (Getty Images)

The Yankees dropped the series opener tonight to the Kansas City Royals. The Yankees could not get the job done after stranding 10 runners on base. The Yankees are just not playing good baseball. They are 4.5 back in the AL East.

David Phelps took the lose tonight in his first major league start. Phelps allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 4 innings of work. He struck out 5 and walked 0. Phelps didn't pitch bad. The offense could not back him up. Phelps elevated his pitch count early which led to his early departure.

Derek Jeter continued his hot hitting tonight with 4 hits in 5 at bats. He had his 500th career double tonight as well.

The Yankees are struggling offensively. Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano cannot find their grooves and they are stranding runners on base.

The Yankees and Royals will play Game 2 of 4 tomorrow.