NEW YORK YANKEES 1
HOUSTON ASTROS 2
HOUSTON, TX– Dallas Keuchel fanned 10 over seven innings for the Astros, allowing four hits and one walk. Keuchel became the second pitcher to have seven or more strikeouts in their first four playoff starts, the other being Bob Gibson. Keuchel also became the third Astros’ pitcher to strikeout 10 or more in a postseason game (Mike Scott and Nolan Ryan in 1986).
Keuchel is now one of two pitchers (Lou Burdette) to have back-to-back scoreless starts against the Yankees in the playoffs. He shut out the Yankees in the 2015 AL Wild Card game.
Masahiro Tanaka lasted six innings for the Yankees, giving up two runs on four hits and one walk, striking out three. Chad Green tossed two scoreless innings in relief for the Yankees, letting up two hits and punching out two.
The Yankees attempted to spark a rally in the fifth inning, getting runners on first and second with none out. Todd Frazier flew out to center and Brett Gardner followed with a strikeout, putting a rally in doubt. But Aaron Judge stepped to the plate and battled to a full count, finally slapping the ball into left field. As Greg Bird rounded third, Astros’ left fielder Marwin Gonzalez came up firing and threw a bullet to catcher Brian McCann for the final out.
Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi challenged the play, but the umpires upheld the call, ending the inning and the Yankees’ rally attempt.
The Yankees will try to even the series at a game a piece Saturday in game two, before heading back the New York for game three on Monday. Luis Sevrino will pitch for the Yankees in game two, while the Astros counter with Justin Verlander.
SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE:
NEW YORK YANKEES vs. HOUSTON ASTROS (Game 2) 4:08 p.m.
CHICAGO CUBS vs. LOS ANGELES DODGERS (Game 1) 8:08 p.m.
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