MLB: New York Yankees 8, Kansas City 3

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NEW YORK, May 23 (UPI) -- Alex Rodriguez homered in his first two at-bats Wednesday to help the New York Yankees build an early lead on their way to an 8-3 victory over Kansas City.

Rodriguez hit a two-run shot in the first inning and a solo blast in the third, sending the Yankees to a quick 5-0 advantage. Curtis Granderson also homered for New York and the Yankees took advantage of seven walks by Kansas City pitching.

Andy Pettitte (2-1) allowed two solo homers and seven hits in seven-plus innings to get the win. He struck out eight in his second consecutive victory.

Pettitte was the winning pitcher against Cincinnati Friday, collecting his first victory in two seasons.

New York won the final two games of the series with the Royals after having lost six out of seven.

Kansas City's Will Smith (0-1) made his major league debut and lasted just 3 1/3 innings while giving up five runs on six hits.

Smith, called up from Class AAA Omaha, has only three minor league victories above the Class AA level in his five years as a professional.