**VERDUGO F**KING CLUTCH: YANKS TAKE GAME 1 IN THRILLER**

In a thrilling AL Division Series opener, the New York Yankees edged the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night, thanks in large part to Alex Verdugo’s clutch performance. Verdugo broke a 5-5 tie in the seventh inning with a single that scored Jazz Chisholm Jr., who had singled and stolen second earlier in the inning. The outfielder also made a spectacular sliding catch in the fourth inning, robbing Michael Massey of a potential hit and saving at least one run.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Royals blowing leads of 1-0, 3-2, and 5-4, while the Yankees failed to hold onto advantages of 2-1 and 4-3. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first postseason game in history to feature five lead changes.

Kansas City’s pitching staff struggled with control, issuing a season-high eight walks, including two in the fifth inning that forced in a pair of runs. The Yankees, meanwhile, were just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position until Verdugo’s game-winning hit.

Chisholm, playing third base for the first time this season, made several key defensive plays, including two with the help of first baseman Oswaldo Cabrera. The Yankees’ bullpen also played a crucial role, with four relievers combining to allow just one unearned run over four innings. Clay Holmes earned the win, while Luke Weaver pitched a perfect ninth inning for the save in his postseason debut.

Despite the loss, Juan Soto had a strong game for the Royals, going 3-for-5 and throwing out a runner at the plate in the second inning. The series will resume on Monday night, with the Yankees looking to take a 2-0 lead over the wild-card Royals.

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