NEW YORK— Alex Rodriguez belted a go-ahead three-run homer and right-hander Michael Pineda delivered 6 2/3 superb innings as the Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Royals with a 4-2 victory on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

The Royals lost their fourth straight, their longest losing streak since late August, and dropped into a tie for first place in the American League Central with surging Minnesota.

“We’re a great team,” Royals starter Chris Young said. “We’ll bounce back. I’m not too worried about it.”

Added Royals manager Ned Yost, “It’s baseball. You can’t stay red hot for 162 games. You cool down. You just wait to get hot again.”

Brian McCann homered for the Yankees in the second inning before Rodriguez lined a laser just over the wall in left field in the third.

Pineda gave up six hits and one run while walking one and striking out eight.

“To do that against that team, you have to throw the ball well,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

Young took the loss for the Royals, going six innings and giving up four runs. He walked two and struck out seven. Young had given up just one earned run total in his previous four starts.

Dellin Betances allowed an unearned run in the eighth, his third of the season. Betances still hasn’t allowed an earned run in 26 innings. Kendrys Morales’ infield hit broke a string of 30 consecutive at-bats against Betances without a hit.