Bellinger's Blasts and Warren's Dominance Lift Yankees to Blowout Win

Cody Bellinger homered twice and Will Warren struck out 11 as the Yankees cruised past the Royals.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:37pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting using vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes to capture the explosive energy and power of a baseball game, with the players' forms and movements dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.Cody Bellinger's two home runs and the Yankees' dominant offensive performance provided a much-needed blowout win over the Royals.NYC Today

The New York Yankees snapped their recent streak of close games by blowing out the Kansas City Royals 13-4 on Saturday. Cody Bellinger hit two home runs and drove in five runs, while starting pitcher Will Warren struck out 11 batters over seven strong innings to lead the Yankees to the lopsided victory.

Why it matters

The win was a much-needed respite for the Yankees, who had been grinding out close games in their recent stretch. The team's ability to jump out to an early lead and get dominant pitching performance was an encouraging sign after their offense had struggled against left-handed pitching early in the season.

The details

The Yankees jumped out to a 7-0 lead by the fourth inning, with Bellinger, Amed Rosario, and Ben Rice all hitting home runs in a five-run third inning. Warren was in control on the mound, scattering just three hits through the first six innings before giving up a two-run homer in the seventh. J.C. Escarra also drove in a pair of runs for the Yankees.

  • The Yankees scored five runs in the third inning on April 18, 2026.
  • Will Warren struck out 11 batters over seven innings on April 18, 2026.

The players

Cody Bellinger

The Yankees' left fielder hit two home runs and drove in five runs in the win.

Will Warren

The Yankees' starting pitcher struck out 11 batters over seven strong innings.

Amed Rosario

The Yankees' shortstop hit a two-run home run as part of the team's five-run third inning.

Ben Rice

The Yankees' first baseman hit a solo home run in the third inning.

J.C. Escarra

The Yankees' outfielder drove in two runs with a double and a triple.

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What they’re saying

“At least for one day, the Yankees spared themselves the drama.”

— Greg Joyce, Author

The takeaway

The Yankees' ability to get an early lead and receive a dominant pitching performance was a welcome sight, as they had been grinding out close games during their recent stretch. The team's offense against left-handed pitching also showed signs of improvement, which could be crucial as they look to break out of their early-season funk.