Watch: Yankees take lead as Alex Verdugo’s seventh-inning RBI single breaks tie against Royals
Esteban Quiñones
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Alex Verdugo’s spot in the starting lineup was a topic of debate heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. However, Verdugo has stepped up in a big way as the game heads into the late innings, helping the Yankees take a 6-5 lead.
What happened
In the bottom of the seventh, Alex Verdugo delivered a crucial RBI single to left field, scoring Jazz Chisholm Jr. to give the Yankees the lead. Verdugo advanced to second base on the throw home, showcasing his aggressive baserunning and making his mark both at the plate and on the base paths.
Earlier in the game, Alex Verdugo made an impact defensively, pulling off a slick sliding catch in foul territory in the top of the fourth inning to end the Royals’ scoring threat. The play highlighted his defensive capabilities, particularly at a time when the Yankees needed a lift.
Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole, typically the anchor of the Yankees’ pitching staff, struggled on the mound. Cole allowed three runs on six hits and two walks through four innings, throwing 63 pitches before making an early exit. With the Yankees trailing 3-2 at that point, Alex Verdugo’s defensive gem helped prevent the Royals from extending their lead.
Alex Verdugo’s contributions—both offensively and defensively—are keeping the Yankees competitive as they look to hold onto their slim advantage. The game remains up for grabs, and with postseason implications looming, the Yankees will need all hands on deck, including their ace and the lineup, to secure the win.
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