The New York Yankees secured a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the ALDS, thanks to a late RBI single by Alex Verdugo. Manager Aaron Boone’s decision to stick with Verdugo paid off as he delivered when it mattered most in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Verdugo’s clutch hit was set up by Jazz Chisholm’s single and stolen base, providing the winning run for the Bronx Bombers. Despite ace Gerrit Cole’s struggles on the mound, the Yankees managed to scrape together enough offense to support him.
After Gleyber Torres’ two-run homer put the Yankees ahead, Cole faltered and allowed the Royals to tie the game. A key rally in the fifth inning, highlighted by a bases-loaded walk, helped New York regain the lead. Subsequent runs from both teams kept the game close until the end.
The Yankees’ bullpen, featuring pitchers like Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle, stepped up to preserve the win with 3.2 scoreless innings. The victory in Game 1 sets the tone for the rest of the series and showcases the team’s resilience in the face of challenges.
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