Alex Verdugo eyed a lineup card with his name in the cleanup spot on Saturday, making it the first time he was there as a plate for the Yankees. His first thoughts were to maintain “a humble approach,’’ remaining himself to see the ball well and use the whole field.
Verdugo immediately made an impact in one pitch, cracking a three-run homer in the first inning that sent New York to its biggest offence outburst. Gleyber Torres added a big three-run double as the Bombers moved to a 15-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday at the American Family Field.
“That four spot is a great spot in the lineup to come up with guys on the bases,” said Verdugo, who flipped his bat and gestured toward his teammates as he rounded the bases following his fourth homer of the season. “Today we just got it done.”
The 15 runs marked the Yanks’ most in a match since July 6, 2022, a 16-0 victory at Pittsburgh. Their 19 hits were their most since August 25, 2022, at Oakland (20).
“As hard as it is in this league to score runs, and as good as pitching is, to have a night like that is nice,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Hopefully there are little things that unlock and get a few guys going even more.”
Verdugo delivered his homer as he dug out an 87.6 mph slider from right-hander Joe Ross. He took advantage after a pitch struck Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto worked a walk. Torres busted the match open with a three-run double off Ross in the third inning.
“Finally, I did something for the team, especially in that situation,” Torres said. “There has been a lot of work in the cage. Finally, I saw a result tonight. … Here in the clubhouse, we’re a family. We know how hard the game is.”
Verdugo said he was happy for Torres, who entered Saturday’s match in a 5-for-32 (.156) slide.
“You have to eliminate results and go off feels or little victories that might not show up in the box score,” Verdugo said. “He’s been doing a good job of competing, fighting and working on his craft. Today was one of those days.”
Boone pleased by his decision to shake up the batting order, said Verdugo could bat fourth again on Sunday. Alex is hitting .350 (21-for-60) with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his last 18 games.
“I think he’ll be there tomorrow,” Boone said. “We’ll see.’’
