NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Verdugo hit a go-ahead, two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning and the New York Yankees ended the regular season with a 6-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

Struggling for most of the second half, Verdugo snapped a 4-all tie by hitting a fastball from Carmen Mlodzinski into right field to score Austin Wells and Jasson Dominguez. Wells was hit by a pitch from Colin Holderman (3-6), and Dominguez walked.

Following a walk by Jon Berti, Verdugo delivered his fourth hit in 24 at-bats with the bases loaded. Acquired from Boston in December, Verdugo batted .233 in his first season with the Yankees.

“So many times it’s not the fancy, the sexy, big hits all the time,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s the grinding out at-bats, working a walk, setting the table. Three really good ones there.”

It was Verdugo’s second hit this season and 12th of his career to give his team a lead in the eighth inning or later.

Luke Weaver (7-3) stranded a runner in the eighth and Clay Holmes struck out Oneil Cruz on a sweeper for his 30th save in 43 chances. It was Holmes’ first save since Aug. 30 against St. Louis.

AL East champion New York (94-68) clinched home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs Saturday when Cleveland lost to Houston.

Pittsburgh (76-86) matched its record from last year and finished its sixth straight losing season. The Pirates were 56-54 on Aug. 3 and lost 32 of their final 52 games.

“We have to get better,” manager Derek Shelton said. “The last two teams that we played in terms of the Brewers and the Yankees, they’re doing what we expect to do, and what we need to do and want to do.”