The New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday in the American League Division Series opener, but it certainly wasn't easy. But it happened historically.
The Yankees have accomplished many great things in the club's illustrious history, but what happened Saturday was a first. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this is the first time in major league history that the lead has changed hands five times in a postseason game.
Tommy Pham took the lead for the Kansas City Royals with a sac fly in the second inning, but New York's Gleyber Torres countered with a two-run home run in the third inning.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Aaron Judge No. 99 of the New York Yankees and Alex Alex celebrate their team's 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the Division Series on October 5, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Verdugo #24, Juan Soto #22. . (Elsa/Getty Images)
MJ Melendez returned the favor with two runs of his own to give Kansas City the lead.
The Yankees regained the lead in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and two walks, but they were quickly reversed due to sloppy play and poor contact.
Jazz Chisholm hit a double in the seventh inning, and the Yankees took a 6-5 lead with Chisholm scoring on an RBI hit by Alex Verdugo.
This was the fifth and final lead change in the tournament, the most ever in a postseason game.
New York got a four-out save from Luke Weaver, the retired Michael Massie, hitter of the year Bobby Witt (who would have won MVP if it wasn't for Aaron Judge), and Vinny Pasquantino in the ninth inning. won.
Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the New York Yankees and the Jazz celebrate their team's 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the Division Series on October 5, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Chisholm Jr. #13. (Elsa/Getty Images)
The Mets' magic continued in the NLDS, giving up 5 runs in the 8th inning, leading to another come-from-behind victory.
However, there is one cause for concern on the New York side. Despite hitting 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, a .322 batting average, and a 1.159 OPS, Judge went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, lowering his postseason average to just .206. He has a strikeout in over a third of his games. Appeared at bat in the postseason.
New York also posted 2-for-13 hits with runners in scoring position.
New York Yankees No. 24 Alex Verdugo celebrates after hitting an RBI hit against the Kansas City Royals in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 1 of the Division Series at Yankee Stadium in New York City on October 5, 2024. (Elsa/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The American League has Sunday off, so both teams will return for Game 2 on Monday. Kansas City will have Cole Regans (3.14 ERA) back, while New York will have Carlos Rodon (3.96 ERA) back.
Follow sports coverage on Fox News Digital's X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Albanian
Croatian
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Macedonian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish