New York Yankees 6, Houston Astros 1
Highly touted rookie Jasson Domínguez delivered a crucial two-run home run in the sixth inning, propelling the New York Yankees to a 6-1 victory over the Houston Astros, securing a three-game series sweep on Sunday night.
In just his third MLB game, the 20-year-old Domínguez hit his second home run, further establishing himself as an exciting young talent. Domínguez made headlines by becoming the youngest Yankees player ever to hit a home run in his major league debut on Friday, a two-run shot off Justin Verlander in his first at-bat.
Houston’s recent struggles came after a five-game winning streak, causing them to fall behind the first-place Mariners and tie with the Texas Rangers in a tightly contested AL West race.
For the Yankees, who are currently in last place in the standings, this series against the Astros provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise disappointing season. It marked their first sweep since late July when they won three games against the Kansas City Royals. Additionally, it was the first time they had swept the Astros since September 2013.
Adding to the Yankees’ victory, Gleyber Torres contributed with a solo home run in the ninth inning, extending their lead to 4-1. Torres had just returned to the lineup after missing two games due to lower back tightness. The Yankees’ rookie, Austin Wells, also made an impact with his first career extra-base hit, an RBI double in a three-run ninth inning.
As the game concluded, Houston fans began leaving the stadium, and the sound of “Let’s go Yankees!” chants echoed through Minute Maid Park. Michael King, who pitched five innings, allowed five hits and one run while striking out four. Tommy Kahnle (2-3) threw two hitless innings to secure the victory.
In the eighth inning, Jonathan Loáisiga entered the game as the pitcher and faced Jeremy Peña, who singled, giving Houston a runner on base with one out. Later in the inning, pinch-hitter Yainer Diaz also singled, but the Yankees managed to escape the threat when Jose Altuve grounded into a double play.
Houston’s starting pitcher, Cristian Javier (9-3), pitched six innings and allowed three runs on four hits while striking out eight batters.
The Astros took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Alex Bregman singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Tucker, following a single by Yordan Alvarez.
The Yankees responded in the second inning when Gleyber Torres singled, but Javier retired the next 13 batters in a row. The Yankees’ next baserunner came in the sixth inning when Oswaldo Cabrera singled with one out. DJ LeMahieu followed with a double to left-center, driving in Cabrera to tie the game at 1-1.
During the play, Yordan Alvarez slipped on the warning track, causing him to fall and collide with the wall. After being examined by an athletic trainer, Alvarez remained in the game.
With two outs in the sixth, Jasson Domínguez hit a home run to right field, giving the Yankees a 3-1 lead.
In the bottom half of the sixth, Alvarez hit a foul fly ball into the left-field corner, which was deflected by a fan. This interference led to a discussion among the umpires, and ultimately, Alvarez was ruled out due to fan interference.
UP NEXT
The New York Yankees will enjoy a day off on Monday before Gerrit Cole (12-4, 2.95 ERA) takes the mound on Tuesday night to kick off a three-game series against Detroit at their home stadium.
What do you think? leave your comment below.
Damn, it’s fun watching the Yankees again. For the first 3/4+ of the season it was a joyless chore watching Boone trot out tired veterans whose best days (if indeed they ever had best days) were behind them.
The youngsters from Scranton Wilkes-Barre have given the Yankees a spark they haven’t had since the first month of the season.
I no longer feel ashamed wearing my Yankees’ apparel out in public again. It sure feels good feeling good again!