The New York Yankees couldn’t get it done in ALCS Game 6 as Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros force Game 7 in dominating fashion.
- New York Yankees: 1 (3-3)
- Houston Astros: 7 (3-3)
- American League Championship Series Game 6, FINAL, Box Score
- Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Go figure. Leave it up to the 2017 New York Yankees to fall apart when the pressure isn’t on since we all know they only win when there is no more tomorrow.
Justin Verlander and Luis Severino were locked in a classic October pitching duel until one faltered. His name was Severino. A three-run 5th-inning highlighted by a Brian McCann RBI-double and a Jose Altuve two-run single propelled the Astros to a much-needed 6-1 victory.
Game 7 in Houston is a reality for Saturday night.
Pinstripes Earned:
In six appearances against the Yankees in the playoffs, Justin Verlander is now 4-0 with a 2.33 ERA (10 ER/38.2 IP) and 41 strikeouts.
Justin Verlander just isn't fair. https://t.co/hieAmLBtwu
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 21, 2017
Unlike young Sevy who was forced out in the fifth, the vet went seven-strong. He allowed no runs on five hits while striking out eight Yankees. The only moment of trouble came in that final inning, the seventh yet he worked out of trouble.
For New York, the only ounce of offense of the night came in the form of Aaron Judge. It was a monster shot off Brad Peacock in the 8th-inning that sparked a semblance of hope for the road team.
This MAMMOTH shot by Aaron Judge is turning out to be the only #Yankees highlight in Game 6. pic.twitter.com/wl7tJnipBV
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) October 21, 2017
Chad Green was once again tremendous out of the bullpen. He mopped up Severino’s troubles with 2.1 innings of scoreless ball. David Robertson was the man Houston picked on in turning three runs into seven when they absolutely cracked him for four runs in the eighth.
One major under-the-radar aspect to keep an eye on heading into Game 7 will be the usage of Stros closer Ken Giles. Even up by six runs, A.J. Hinch elected to go with his closer. He wound up throwing a taxing inning worth 13 pitches.
Offensively for the Yanks, Chase Headley continued his torrid hitting with another two hits. Other than Judge’s late home run, the Yanks could only muster four more hits on the night.
Houston finally broke out of a major offensive slumber. Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and former Yank Brian McCann all came away with two hits.
Look at da flicka da wrist. #EarnHistory pic.twitter.com/snlDW66Ngn
— Houston Astros (@astros) October 21, 2017
Todd Frazier gives it a ride, but … pic.twitter.com/cFm6Tx5ZtO
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 21, 2017
This Day In Yankees’ History:
On Oct. 20, 2009, Melky Cabrera drove in four runs and CC Sabathia tossed eight innings, as the Yankees earned a 10-1 win over the Angels in Game 4 of the ALCS.
Astros win, forcing a Game 7 tomorrow night.#ALCS pic.twitter.com/R07mblLPeT
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 21, 2017
What’s Next:
Game 7 of the ALCS is set for Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8:08 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. CC Sabathia will go for the Yankees looking to get them to their first World Series since 2009 while Houston’s starter is listed as TBD.