Get the better of reserve pitcher at end of game (9)

I believe the answer is:

subjugate

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'get the better of' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't see how they can define each other.

'reserve pitcher at end of game' is the wordplay.
'reserve' becomes 'sub' (substitute).
'pitcher' becomes 'jug' (I've seen this before).
'end of' suggests the final letters.
The final letter of 'game' is 'e'.
'sub'+'jug'+'at'+'e'='SUBJUGATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for subjugate that I've seen before include "Bring under one's sway" , "Bring under domination" , "Make subservient" , "Gain mastery over" , "Manage to keep down" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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