By Jayson Henderson

The Kansas City Royals dropped Game 1 of the American League Division Series to the New York Yankees, 6-5, on Saturday night at Yankee Stadium. The game featured five lead changes, the most in a postseason game, with both teams trading momentum throughout the night.

The Royals’ pitching staff struggled with command, issuing eight walks, which contributed to the Yankees’ scoring opportunities. Kansas City took a 5-4 lead in the fifth inning with a pinch-hit, two-run single from Garrett Hampson, but the Yankees quickly responded, tying the game in the sixth and taking the lead in the seventh.

The Royals had chances to add more runs but were unable to capitalize. With the loss, Kansas City now trails 1-0 in the best-of-five series. The Royals will look to even the series on Monday, sending ace Cole Ragans to the mound for Game 2.