MLB

Yankees on deck vs. Royals

Today — 1:05 P.M.

LHP Andy Pettitte

(6-6, 4.37) vs.

RHP Ervin Santana

(5-5, 2.90)

Game on YES,

WCBS (880 AM)

Three-game home series vs. Twins begins tomorrow.

INSIDE THE MATCHUPS

YANKEES: The Yankees have won Pettitte’s past two starts, but neither has been particularly impressive on his part. He has

yielded eight runs — seven earned — in 11 1/3 innings (5.40 ERA), managing just six total strikeouts.

ROYALS: Santana enters the game with seven straight quality starts. The Royals are 4-3 in his streak, though he hasn’t factored in the decision in his past four starts.

STAT SO?

YANKEES: The Bombers launched two homers last night, but they have 39 games this season when they have not hit a blast. All of last year, they had just 31 homerless efforts.

ROYALS: Santana has pitched at least six innings in each of his 17 starts this season, the longest active streak in the majors.