(New York) Alex Verdugo hit a game-winning single in the seventh inning and saved at least one run with a spectacular catch down the left field line, helping the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 Saturday night in their American League Section Series opener.
The Yankees’ Gleyber Torres and the Royals’ MJ Melendez hit two-run homers in a twist-filled game that saw the Royals lose leads of 1-0, 3-2 and 5-4.
” What a game ! said Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Royals pitchers allowed eight walks, including two that led to runs in the fifth inning. The Yankees were just 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position before Verdugo singled against the losing pitcher, Michael Lorenzen.
PHOTO FRANK FRANKLIN II, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Michael Lorenzen (24)
Verdugo’s hit allowed Jazz Chisholm Jr. to score.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone inserted Verdugo into the lineup in place of rookie Jasson Dominguez in left field for defensive purposes.
“I feel like I’m pretty honest with myself,” Verdugo said. The supporters booed me, they criticized me. I understand. I booed myself too. »
Verdugo had only two hits in his last 34 at-bats.
“The guys in the locker room were all supportive of me. They all know what kind of player I am and how I have played throughout my career,” Verdugo continued.
“They kept telling me, ‘Don’t let this season or this little slump ruin your whole year. You can make up for a lot of things in the playoffs.” »
With the Yankees down 3-2 in the fourth, Verdugo slid to catch Michael Massey’s hit ball just inside the line to end the inning with two runners on.
Chisholm, playing third base for the first time in his career this year, made three good defensive plays, including two with help from first baseman Oswaldo Cabrera, who started the game in place of Anthony Rizzo , who has two broken fingers.
Four Yankees relievers allowed just one unearned run in four innings after Gerrit Cole left, unhappy with his performance.
Clay Holmes worked for a round and two thirds for the victory. Luke Weaver got four straight saves in his postseason debut.
PHOTO FRANK FRANKLIN II, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Clay Holmes
Aaron Judge (0 for 4) was struck out three times while Bobby Witt Jr. was hitless in five at-bats.
Juan Soto (3 for 5) retired Salvador Perez in the second inning while trying to score from second base on Melendez’s single to right.
Cole allowed four runs, three earned, and seven hits in five innings.
Royals starter Michael Wacha allowed three runs, four hits and three walks in four innings.
After a day of rest on Sunday, the series will resume Monday evening.