Yankees 6-4 Pirates: Verdugo’s clutch hit propels Bronx to win in wet regular season closer
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Follow UsNew York Yankees 6-4 Pittsburgh Pirates
The New York Yankees ended their regular season on a positive note, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-4 in a rain-soaked finale at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. With the American League’s top seed already secured, the Yankees took it easy, resting key players like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto as they prepared for the playoffs.
Yankees close out regular season with rain-soaked win
Despite the delay of over an hour due to rain, the Yankees managed to overcome the Pirates, sealing the win thanks to Alex Verdugo’s clutch two-RBI single in the eighth inning, which broke a 4-4 tie. It wasn’t the cleanest game for either team, but it was enough for New York to finish the season strong.
The Pirates came into the game hoping to wrap up their season with a win, but they couldn’t break past the Yankees. They ended their 2024 campaign with 76 wins, the same as last season. Sunday’s loss marked a disappointing end for a team that many expected to take a step forward this year.
The Yankees used the opportunity to give some players extra rest, while others had a chance to prove themselves before the playoffs. Starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt made his fifth start since coming off the injured list, pitching four innings and giving up four runs. Despite challenging weather conditions, Schmidt showed he could be a reliable option for the Yankees in the upcoming Division Series.
The game started well for the Yankees, with Trent Grisham, who stepped in for Aaron Judge, making an immediate impact. He hit a two-run home run in the first inning and added an RBI single in the third. Grisham is trying to secure his spot on the playoff roster, and his performance on Sunday certainly helped his case.
Bailey Falter started for the Pirates, struggling through three wet innings. He gave up four runs and had trouble finding his control in the difficult conditions, ultimately finishing his season with a 4.43 ERA.
The Pirates fought back, tying the game at four in the third inning. Joshua Palacios hit a two-run double, and Jared Triolo followed up with a sacrifice fly to briefly give Pittsburgh the lead. But the Yankees answered, with Verdugo driving in two runs late in the game to take the lead for good.
The Yankees’ bullpen was solid, combining for five scoreless innings to close out the win. Luke Weaver, Tim Mayza, Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton, and Clay Holmes all contributed, with Holmes securing the save. The Yankees’ bullpen has been one of their strengths all season, and Sunday’s performance was no exception.
With the postseason now in sight, the Yankees await their Division Series opponent. The Kansas City Royals overtook the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card standings, setting up a matchup with the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees will face the winner of that series, with Game 1 set for next Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
Finishing with the best record in the American League for the first time since 2012, the Yankees have secured home-field advantage through the AL Championship Series. Ben Rice was called up from Triple-A before the game, while Anthony Rizzo remained on the active roster despite his recent hand injury. Although Rizzo’s status for the ALDS is still uncertain, the Yankees are optimistic as they head into October, ready to make a deep postseason run.
Yankees roster
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