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The New York Yankees are fighting to stay alive in their best-of-seven American League Championship Series, and they got a big win on Friday night against one of the best in the business. Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander went seven innings, but a four-run outburst in the first inning was enough to get a win and force Game 6 back in Houston.
The Astros jumped on top in the top of the first when George Springer scored on a wild pitch. However, the Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning. D.J. LaMahieu hit a lead-off home run and then Aaron Hicks hit a three-run homer to give New York a 4-1 lead.
That was all James Paxton needed. He settled down, going six innings, and after that first inning gave up three hits and three walks while striking out nine. The Yankees bullpen locked down the final three innings to get the win.
The series heads back to Houston on Saturday, with starting pitchers still undecided. The rainout earlier this week removed the travel day, which could mean plenty of bullpen work.