Yankees force another game with Astros unable to put up enough runs
Astros playoff report presented by APG&E: Astros fall to Yankees in ALCS Game 5 as bats go quiet
Oct 18, 2019, 9:09 pm
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Justin Verlander's bad first inning too much for the Astros to overcome in ALCS Game 5
After taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series by winning games 2, 3, and 4, the Yankees fought back with their backs against the wall to take Game 5 against the Astros 4-1 to extend the series at least one more game.
The most significant offense took place in the first inning, with both James Paxton and Justin Verlander settling in after that. However, it would be the Yankees who would capitalize on a bigger first inning, fueling them to the win. Here is how the game shook out:
Final Score: Yankees 4, Astros 1.
Series: Astros lead 3-2.
Winning Pitcher: James Paxton.
Losing Pitcher: Justin Verlander.
Astros score first, but Yankees tag Verlander with a huge response
After several errors in Game 4, the Astros were able to capitalize on fielding mishaps by the Yankees in the top of the first inning to take an immediate lead. George Springer started the game by grounding a ball through the middle of the infield, getting past James Paxton and unable to be fielded by Gleyber Torres, giving him a leadoff single.
He then moved to second on a passed ball, then on to third on a groundout by Jose Altuve before scoring on a wild pitch, giving Houston the quick 1-0 lead. New York responded with a big first inning of their own against Justin Verlander, getting a leadoff home run from DJ LeMahieu to tie the game before going on to get two baserunners to set up a three-run home run by Aaron Hicks to take a 4-1 lead.
Hicks to the sticks. š³#ALCSĀ pic.twitter.com/eoOlzBxE7Q
ā MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2019
Verlander settles in after the rough first inning to complete seven
The game would continue with the 4-1 score as both James Paxton and Justin Verlander rebounded from their first innings to hold the opposing offense in check. Paxton would surprisingly finish six strong innings, throwing effective pitches that resulted in nine strikeouts against Houston's bats.
Verlander, meanwhile, settled in after the four-run first inning and dominated through his remaining innings, although his offense would be unable to get him any runs while he was still in the game. He would go on to complete seven innings, allowing just one hit in innings two through seven. His final line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 2 HR.
Yankees live to see another day
With Paxton's night done, the Astros threatened in the top of the seventh against New York's bullpen, getting two on base with one out, but both would be left stranded to waste another scoring opportunity. They would then go down in order in the top of the eighth. Brad Peacock took over for Verlander to throw the bottom of the eighth, getting a 1-2-3 frame to send the game to the ninth.
In the top of the ninth, the Astros would come up empty once again, allowing the Yankees to stay alive in the series. The series now shifts to Houston, where the Astros will try to finish things on Saturday without going to a Game 7.
Up Next: With the Yankees forcing another game, the ALCS will move back to Houston for Game 6 and a Game 7 if needed. Game 6 will be Saturday at 7:08 PM Central, with both clubs expected to have a bullpen day.
The Astros playoff report is presented by APG&E.
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Astros carved up 2 of the NLās best, but thatās just part of the story
Jun 30, 2025, 4:53 pm
The Houston Astros announced on Monday that additional imaging has revealed that Jeremy PeƱa is dealing with a small fracture in one of his ribs.
PeƱa left Friday's game after being hit by a pitch in the ribs. The club originally believed they had avoided any fractures or breaks, but new information has informed them otherwise.
Update on Jeremy PeƱa: pic.twitter.com/jfCsCUKWFx
ā Houston Astros (@astros) June 30, 2025
PeƱa is heading to the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 28. This news comes at an unfortunate time, with Jeremy posting the best regular season numbers of his career. He's currently slashing .322, .378, .489 with an .867 OPS.
PeƱa will miss the Rockies and Dodgers series at a minimum.
Story on PeƱa headed to the IL with quotes from Dana Brown.
āThis isnāt one of those things where you have to be sidelined the whole time. Once the inflammation goes down, he might feel good enough to swing a bat.ā https://t.co/ih2G09Jpcf
ā Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 30, 2025
Let's hope the team doesn't rush him back too soon and create an even bigger problem. These quotes above from Dana Brown have me concerned. Playing through injuries can create bad habits, and Jeremy has clearly found his swing this season.