Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances allowed an earned run Saturday for the fifth straight appearance, but manager Joe Girardi believes the reliever improved in the outing, the New York Post reports.

"I thought he was better, I thought the curveball was better," Girardi said. "It’s a step in the right direction."

"I have been working with Larry [Rothschild, pitching coach]," Betances said after the outing. "My leg kick was too high and I am trying to straighten up and get my direction toward home instead of flying open."

Betances has delivered a 7.11 ERA and 5:3 K:BB ratio in 6 1/3 innings.