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. đŸ˜³#ALCS pic.twitter.com/eoOlzBxE7Q
— 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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Amen Thompson scores 25 points in the Rockets' victory over the Spurs
Feb 27, 2025, 8:47 am
The Houston Rockets (36-22) host the San Antonio Spurs (24-32) on Wednesday night, aiming to strengthen their playoff position while the Spurs try to snap a three-game losing streak.
Houston has thrived against Western Conference opponents, boasting a 21-14 record. The Rockets lead the West in rebounding, averaging 48.0 boards per game, with Alperen Sengun controlling the glass at 10.5 rebounds per contest. Despite missing Fred VanVleet (ankle), Houston will lean on Sengun and Jalen Green, who has been on a scoring tear, averaging 22.0 points over the last 10 games.
San Antonio has struggled within the division, going just 2-9 against Southwest foes. The Spurs, however, rank fourth in the West in assists per game (28.9), with veteran Chris Paul orchestrating the offense at 8.1 assists per night. The loss of Victor Wembanyama for the season (illness) is a major blow, leaving San Antonio without their top scorer and defensive anchor.
The Rockets enter as 9.5-point favorites and will look to exploit San Antonio’s defensive struggles. Houston’s 3-point shooting (12.2 makes per game) could be a key factor against a Spurs team that allows 13.6 threes per contest.
Houston has gone 4-6 in its last 10 games, while San Antonio is 3-7 over that span, surrendering 117.6 points per game. With Wembanyama sidelined, the Rockets have a prime opportunity to extend their home success and add to San Antonio’s struggles.
Betting Line: Rockets -9.5 | Over/Under: 226.5
Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EST | Location: Houston
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