Facing one of the best pitchers in the world in an elimination game in Game 5 of the ALCS, the New York Yankees needed their typically explosive bats to wake up following three consecutive losses. The Yankees managed to score just six runs in total in Games 2, 3, and 4 to lose control of the ALCS, and Game 5 starter James Paxton allowed a run in a shaky first inning to give the Astros an early lead on Friday night.
Fortunately for Paxton, the Yankees responded immediately in the bottom of the inning. First baseman DJ LaMahieu tied the game off Verlander in just two pitches, hitting the seventh leadoff homer in Yankees postseason history.
Verlander then allowed a single to Aaron Judge and a double to Gleyber Torres to put himself in a jam with zero outs. The Astros ace struck out Giancarlo Stanton and later had Aaron Hicks facing an 0-2 count, but Hicks was able to extend the at-bat and hooked a three-run shot off the foul pole in right field.
Verlander escaped the inning without allowing any further hits, but threw a total of 29 pitches in the inning. With the Astros facing a possible bullpen game if the Yankees can extend the series, Verlander’s rough first inning could have a major impact on Houston’s bullpen.
