Justin Verlander, Masahiro Tanaka
ESNY Graphic, Getty Images

The New York Yankees now know their fate. It will be the Houston Astros in the 2019 ALCS after a Gerrit Cole gem in Game 5.

The New York Yankees now know their fate. It will be the Houston Astros in the 2019 ALCS.

The AL West powerhouse defeated the pesky Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night by the final of 6-1. The star of the do-or-die Game 5 was undoubtedly starting pitcher Gerrit Cole, who tossed eight innings of one-run, two-hit, two-walk baseball. He also struck out 10 Rays.

It sets up a rematch of the 2017 ALCS, an exciting series won by the eventual champion Astros, four games to two. The home team won every contest.

Game 1 of the 2019 ALCS starts this Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET from Houston. Yankee Stadium will host Game 3, 4 and, if needed, Game 5.