Kansas City, MO – A.J. Burnett looked like he was heading for decision, having just given up the lead in the fifth inning.
But the Yankees offense rallied to go back on top in the sixth, highlighted by Derek Jeter's two-run triple, to guide New York to a 7-4 victory over the Royals and help their starter win for the first time in more than a month.
Burnett (9-9) lasted just 5 2/3 innings -- the 11th time this season he's failed to go at least six innings -- and allowed three runs and 10 hits. He gave up all his runs after Kansas City loaded the bases in the fifth, but got a key double play to escape further damage.
Because of his teammates' subsequent run support, the right-hander picked up his first win since June 29. He was 0-3 with a 6.00 earned run average in seven starts since.
Jeter finished 3-for-4 with three RBI while Brett Gardner had two hits and drove in two for New York, which pulled into a tie with idle Boston atop the AL East standings.
Felipe Paulino (1-5) allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings to take the loss for Kansas City, which was coming off a 1-6 road trip. Rookie second baseman Johnny Giavotella had a career-best three hits.
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