The slumping outfielder hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh, and saved at least one run with a sliding catch, boosting New York over Kansas City Saturday night.

In a back-and-forth ALDS Game 1, it wasn’t Gerrit Cole, Juan Soto or even Aaron Judge playing hero. It was Alex Verdugo who provided the game-winning hit in a 6-5 Yankees’ victory over the Royals on Saturday night in the Stadium in a matchup that saw five lead changes.

Saturday's Game 1 between the Royals and Yankees became the first postseason game with five lead changes before the Yankees pulled ahead for good in the seventh inning.