Rodriguez came up in the fifth with the bases loaded and grounded into a fielder's choice. Jeter, who bunted for a hit, was forced out at home.
The Yankees came in 8 for 41 (.195) with the bases loaded but they didn't need a hit in that situation in the fifth to score their runs. The Yankees walked three times and were twice hit by pitches in the inning. Robinson Cano had an RBI fielder's choice — a nice diving stop by shortstop Alcides Escobar — and Andruw Jones and Teixeira, back in the 3-hole after two games batting seventh, walked to force in runs.
"It's a club that a lot of times works the count really well and is going to have its share of walks," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.
Eric Hosmer went 3 for 4 with an RBI to raise his average to .191 for the Royals.
NOTES: The Royals dropped to 4-3 in the deciding game of series this season. ... New York went 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position, leaving the Yankees 9 for 85 (.106) in their last nine games.
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