HOUSTON (AP) – The Houston Astros have survived an unexpectedly tough series with Tampa Bay to advance to the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees.
Gerrit Cole worked eight strong innings and the Astros continued their playoff charge by downing the Rays, 6-1 in Houston. Cole followed his 15-strikeout performance in Game 1 of the ALDS by fanning 10 while limiting the wild-card champs to one run and two hits. He blanked the Rays after Eric Sogard’s second-inning homer. Houston took control with a four-run first as Jose Altuve and Yuli Gurriel sandwiched RBI singles around Alex Bregman’s two-run double. Michael Brantley and Altuve added back-to-back homers in the bottom of the eighth to cap the scoring.
Losing pitcher Tyler Glasnow was reached for four runs and five hits over 2 2/3 innings. Houston will host Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday.