Alex Verdugo hit a two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning, helping the New York Yankees secure a 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday to finish the regular season.
After struggling for much of the second half, Verdugo broke a 4-4 tie by hitting a fastball from Carmen Mlodzinski into right field, bringing in Austin Wells and Jasson Domínguez. Wells had been hit by a pitch from Colin Holderman (3-6), and Domínguez walked to get on base.
After Jon Berti walked, Verdugo recorded his fourth hit in 24 at-bats with the bases loaded. He was acquired from Boston in December and had a .233 batting average in his first season with the Yankees.
“So many times it’s not the fancy, the sexy, big hits all the time,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s the grinding out at-bats, working a walk, setting the table. Three really good ones there.”
This was Verdugo’s second hit of the season and the 12th of his career that gave his team a lead in the eighth inning or later.
Luke Weaver (7-3) left a runner stranded in the eighth, and Clay Holmes struck out Oneil Cruz with a sweeping pitch for his 30th save in 43 chances. It was Holmes’ first save since August 30 against St. Louis.
The AL East champion New York Yankees (94-68) secured home-field advantage for the American League playoffs on Saturday when Cleveland lost to Houston.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Verdugo said.
The Pittsburgh Pirates (76-86) finished with the same record as last year, marking their sixth consecutive losing season. They were 56-54 on August 3 but lost 32 of their last 52 games.
“We have to get better,” manager Derek Shelton said. “The last two teams that we played in terms of the Brewers and the Yankees, they’re doing what we expect to do, and what we need to do and want to do.”
