Alex Verdugo, in return to Boston, lifts Yanks past Red Sox

(Photo credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)

Alex Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs to lead the visiting New York Yankees past the Boston Red Sox 8-1 on Friday.

The Yankees became the first team in the majors to reach the 50-win plateau this year.

Verdugo, in his first game against his former team, contributed to all three of the Yankees' multi-run innings. He hit a two-run homer in the first, added an R