The manager’s instincts were vindicated Saturday night. Verdugo delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning, propelling the Yankees to a 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals. In a game that saw five lead changes — the most in MLB postseason history — Verdugo’s opposite-field hit secured the Yankees a 1-0 start in the ALDS.

The series opener included five lead changes — the most in postseason history — but the Yankees secured the final momentum swing from a surprising place.

Alex Verdugo hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning and saved at least one run with a sliding catch along the left-field line, boosting the New York Yankees over the Kansas City Royals 6-5 in their AL Division Series opener.