New York @ Kansas City preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 16, 2011 ) NY Yankees 9, Kansas City 7

THE STORY: Despite receiving back-to-back mediocre efforts from their starting pitchers, the New York Yankees will go for a sweep in the finale of a three-game series at Kansas City on Wednesday night. New York’s offense has more than made up for the shortcomings of the starters, putting up 16 runs and 25 hits in the first two games to move into first place in the American League East – one-half game of rival Boston. The hits could keep coming Wednesday against Royals starter Bruce Chen, who has allowed the Yankees to bat .331 against him in his career. Bartolo Colon gets the start for New York.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, YES, FSKC

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Bartolo Colon (8-6, 3.31 ERA) vs. Royals LH Bruce Chen (7-5, 4.15 ERA)

Colon has rebounded from a stretch of three straight losses by going 2-0 in his last four starts, including back-to-back no-decisions. He has allowed two runs in each start during that span, but has pitched beyond six innings only once. Colon has a 15-8 record and 4.80 ERA in 26 career starts vs. Kansas City, but he hasn't faced them since May 2009.

After facing one of his favorite opponents last time out, Chen goes up against one of his biggest nemesis. He allowed one hit in six scoreless innings to shackle the Chicago White Sox on Friday, but the Yankees have been a different animal for Chen. The 34-year-old lefty is 1-5 with a 6.71 ERA in 16 career appearances (12 starts) against New York.

ABOUT THE YANKEES (74-46): Robinson Cano extended his hitting streak to eight games with a three-run homer and four RBIs in Tuesday’s 9-7 victory. Cano is batting .429 (13-for-35) with three homers and 10 RBIs in that stretch. He also had five multi-hit games in his last six. Derek Jeter is 11-for-22 with five RBIs during a five-game hitting streak and Brett Gardner is 8-for-18 in his five-game streak. The bullpen has done a sensational job in picking up the starters in the last two games, combining to allow one run and two hits in seven innings. That included 3 2/3 hitless innings Tuesday.

ABOUT THE ROYALS (50-73): Kansas City collected 12 hits in the series opener and seven runs Tuesday but has nothing to show for it. The Royals have lost four in a row and eight of nine. Melky Cabrera homered to extend his hitting streak to nine games. He has already set career highs for homers (16) and RBIs (73) while batting a robust .311. Jeff Francouer is also on a tear, hitting safely in 12 of his last 13 games. He is 9-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak. Billy Butler and rookie Eric Hosmer have also hit in five straight.

FINAL PITCH: Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez played his first game at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday night, getting one hit in three at-bats and playing six innings in the field. Rodriguez, who had surgery last month to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, said he plans to be in the lineup again Wednesday night. Barring a setback, he is expected to join the Yankees on Thursday for the start of a four-game road trip in Minnesota.