The defending World Series champion Royals have won 18 of 22, and crept to just two games back of the Orioles in the American League Wild Card standings. The Yankees stayed 3 1/2 behind Baltimore.
Shortstop Alcides Escobar pounded a three-run homer to left off reliever Blake Parker, highlighting a five-run seventh for the Royals that put the game out of reach. Gee gave up four hits and one run over six innings.
Right-hander Michael Pineda gave up three in the first, then retired 15 straight before giving up two hits to start the fateful seventh.