Robonson Cano’s three-run homer in the fourth inning provided the difference as the New York Yankees out-slugged the Kansas City Royals 9-7 at Kauffman Stadium.

Cano drove in four as the Yankees move a half-game up on Boston atop the AL East.

Royals starter Danny Duffy allowed a season-high eight runs in three-plus innings to fall to 3-and-7.

The Royals rallied to take a 5-3 lead in the third on an Alex Gordon groundout, Melky Cabrera homer and Jeff Francoeur double.

The Yankees answered with five in the fourth, the final two on the Cano home run.

The Royals score two in the sixth on catcher Salvador Perez double.