HAINES CITY, FLA. ? Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada each had three hits as the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals, 7-4, Thursday night for their ninth straight exhibition victory.

The Yankees’ Orlando Hernandez improved to 4-0 in five starts, allowing four runs on six hits, including home runs to Joe Randa and Carlos Febles. Hernandez walked two and struck out five in five innings.

Jeter singled in the Yankees’ four-run third and scored on Robin Ventura’s single. Posada singled home Alfonso Soriano in the first inning, and walked with the bases loaded in the third.

Royals right-hander Paul Byrd, penciled as the No. 3 starter, allowed an unearned run in the first after Febles’ throwing error extended the inning. Byrd left after three innings, allowing five runs.