Altuve HR caps 6-run rally in 9th, Astros shock Yankees 8-7

HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve hit a three-run homer to cap a startling six-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning, getting his jersey yanked off in a frenzied celebration and lifting the Houston Astros over the New York Yankees 8-7 Sunday.

The Astros had been shut out by the Yankees the previous two games, highlighted by ace Gerrit Cole’s three-hitter in a 4-0 win on Saturday night.

But in a series where the teams took turns trolling each other after lingering ill will over the years, Altuve and the Astros had the final say.

The win came on Altuve replica jersey giveaway at Minute Maid Park — Houston fans left with a No. 27 shirt, while the All-Star second baseman exited without his.

New York led 7-2 after a three-run homer by Gary Sanchez in the eighth inning and was poised for a sweep before the Astros broke loose and handed the Yankees another aching last-inning loss.

After the first two Astros reached base against Domingo Germán in the ninth, Chas McCormick hit a two-run double off Chad Green (3-5). Abraham Toro followed with an RBI double to make it 7-5, still with no outs.

Pinch-hitter Jason Castro singled and one out later, Altuve launched his soaring shot to left field. His temmates greeted him at the plate and ripped off his jersey in the celebration, leaving him shirtless as he hugged manager Dusty Baker on his way off the field.

Altuve was not available for a postgame interview. The Astros said his father was in the hospital and he rushed to be with him.

Ralph Garza Jr. (1-2) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the win. He allowed three walks on a day the Astros won despite walking a whopping 14 batters.

Martin Maldonado homered in the Houston third off Jameson Taillon, making it 1-all and giving Houston its first run in the series.

Maldonado pulled his...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Altuve-HR-caps-6-run-rally-in-9th-Astros-shock-16307645.php