1st pinch-hit HR for Puig has Roberts raving

NEW YORK — The Dodgers had a four-run lead over the Yankees in the eighth inning Monday night, but their offense had stalled out against New York’s left-handed middle relievers. So manager Dave Roberts called on Yasiel Puig, and Puig — in a role in which he has struggled in his career — delivered.

Pinch-hitting for Joc Pederson against Yankees southpaw James Pazos, Puig drove a two-out solo home run into the short porch in right field. It was a long ball made for Yankee Stadium and it gave the Dodgers some extra cushion during their 8-2 win in the series opener.

“Yasiel has continued to grow as a baseball player, as a teammate, as a man. For him to be ready when called upon off the bench, and be anxious to help his team win, that’s outstanding,” Roberts said. “And I think — and I know — that his teammates see that.”

Puig had never hit a pinch-hit home run in his career. Entering Monday, the 25-year-old was 3-for-23 with 10 …

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