A-Rod Goes Deep Twice In Yankees 8-3 Win

The Yankee offense looked alive for the first time over a week, putting up an eight-spot to back Andy Pettitte (2-1) in an 8-3 home win over the Royals.

Alex Rodriguez homered twice (6,7) and drove in three, Curtis Granderson had a solo-blast, and Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano and Andruw Jones each had an RBI.

Pettitte had a solid seven innings - striking out eight against seven hits and two runs - in a 98 pitch outing.

Kansas City's Will Smith (0-1), a 22-year-old lefty making his major league debut, surrendered six hits and five runs over 3 1/3 innings including both of A-Rod's homers.

The Yankees (23-21) have won two straight after dropping six of seven. They'll open a series in Oakland on Friday night after an off-day Thursday.