Yanks Beat Astros To Send ALCS Back To Houston

NEW YORK (AP) – The New York Yankees have earned a return trip to Houston, staying alive in the American League Championship Series with a win over the Astros. James Paxton was sharp over six innings and the Yankees belted two homers off Justin Verlander in the bottom of the first to earn a 4-1 triumph against Houston in Game 5. Paxton struck out nine and allowed just four hits in his first career postseason victory. The left-hander didn’t allow a run after George Springer scored on a wild pitch in the top of the first. DJ LeMahieu  greeted Verlander with a home run on the second pitch in the bottom of the first. Four batters later, Aaron Hicks delivered a three-run blast that gave New York a 4-1 advantage. Verlander was outstanding after the first inning, giving up just one hit after the three-run homer. Verlander struck out nine over seven innings but suffered his second loss of this postseason. Aroldis Chapman worked a scoreless ninth to get the save and complete a combined five-hitter. Houston had won three straight since a 7-0 loss to the Yankees in the series opener. The Astros host Game 6 on Saturday.