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Yankees and Royals make MLB history in wild first ALDS game

Yankees and Royals make MLB history in wild first ALDS game

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The New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday in the opening game of the American League Division Series, but it certainly wasn't easy. However, it was historic.

The Yankees have achieved many successes throughout the club's illustrious history, but what happened Saturday was a first. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the first postseason game in Major League Baseball history to feature five lead changes.

Tommy Pham got this Kansas City Royals New York's Gleyber Torres responded with a two-run homer in the third inning with a sac fly coming first on the board.

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Verdugo, Richter and Soto

Aaron Judge #99, Alex Verdugo #24 and Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees celebrate the team's 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 5, 2024 in New York City . (Elsa/Getty Images)

MJ Melendez returned the favor with a two-run blast of his own, giving Kansas City the lead right back.

The Yankees walked twice in the fifth inning with the bases loaded to regain the lead, but the Yanks immediately gave it back thanks to sloppy play and weak contact that found gaps.

Jazz Chisholm singled to second in the seventh inning and the Yankees took advantage with Alex Verdugo hitting the speedy Chisholm with a single to give the Yankees a 6-5 lead.

It was the fifth and final lead change of the game – the most in a postseason game.

Luke Weaver got the four-out save for New York, edging out Michael Massey and batting champion Bobby Witt (who would have won MVP if not for that). Aaron Richter) and Vinnie Pasquantino in the ninth.

Oswaldo Cabrera and Jazz Chisholm

Oswaldo Cabrera #95 and Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees celebrate the team's 6-5 win against the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 5, 2024 in New York City. (Elsa/Getty Images)

The Mets' magic continues in Holland, with five runs in the eighth and another comeback win

On the New York side, however, there is cause for concern. Despite his 58 home runs, 144 RBI, a .322 average and a 1.159 OPS, Judge went 0-4 with three strikeouts, lowering his lifetime postseason average to a paltry .206 – he has a strikeout in more than a third of his strikeouts makes postseason plate appearances.

New York also went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

Alex Verdugo

Alex Verdugo #24 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting an RBI single against the Kansas City Royals in the seventh inning in game one of the Division Series at Yankee Stadium in New York City on October 5, 2024. (Elsa/Getty Images)

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The American League paused on Sunday, so both teams will be back for Game 2 on Monday. It will be Cole Ragans (3.14 ERA) for Kansas City, and New York will return Carlos Rodon (3.96 ERA).

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