"Finally, I did something for the team" - Gleyber Torres relieved after glowing performance in Yankees' Brewers rout amid hitting slump
The New York Yankees returned to winning ways on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, bouncing back from their narrow defeat in the series opener. Yankees slugger Gleyber Torres expressed his delight after contributing to the Bronx Bombers' impressive offensive display.
Gleyber Torres is among several Yankees hitters to have made a slow start to the 2024 season. The All-Star second baseman was moved down the order after the Yankees' middle order struggled in the walk-off loss in the series opener on Friday.
Despite being dumbed down the order, Torres more than just made his mark in the game as he extended his team's early dominance over the Brewers with a three-run double with the bases loaded in the top of the third inning.
“Finally, I did something for the team, especially in that situation,” Torres said after the game. “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.”
While Torres was moved down the order, Alex Verdugo was moved to the fourth spot in the hitting order. Aaron Boone's decision turned out to be a masterstroke as Verdugo slammed a three-run homer in the first inning to fire his team into an early lead.
Alex Verdugo hails Gleyber Torres' dedication after dismantling Brewers
Alex Verdugo's back-to-back home run games helped the Yankees to a resounding 15-3 victory over the Brewers at American Family Field. While Verdugo stole the show with his four RBI game, the former Red Sox star was quick to acknowledge Gleyber Torres' impact despite the 27-year-old's struggles this season.
“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 really good job of competing, fighting and working on his craft. Today was one of those days.”
Yankees captain Aaron Judge also showed signs of life with a two-run homer, his fifth of the season before Anthony Rizzo dispatched his 30th career homerun against the Brewers in the sixth inning.
Giancarlo Stanton capped off a stunning offensive display with a three-run homer in the ninth inning. Aaron Boone's team will be buoyed by the clinical victory heading into the rubber game of the series on Sunday.