Deciding Inning
The New York Yankees defeated the Houston Astros 9-3 on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Yankee Stadium. The game remained tied at 3-3 through the sixth inning before New York erupted for four runs in the seventh. Cody Bellinger provided the spark with a double to center field that scored Grisham and Rice. The Yankees added two more runs in that frame, extending their lead to 7-3. In the eighth inning, the Yankees added two more runs to seal the victory. The final score was 9-3 in favor of the home team.
Game Flow
The Astros struck first in the top of the first inning. Jose Altuve doubled to center field, scoring Paredes. The Yankees immediately responded in the bottom half. Juan Soto, referred to as Rice in the scoring plays, homered to right field for 364 feet, tying the game at 1-1. The Astros regained the lead when Lombard Jr. grounded out, allowing García Jr. to score. The score remained 2-1 after the first inning. In the fourth inning, the Yankees tied the game at 2-2 when Varsho homered to center field for 412 feet. The Astros took a 3-2 lead on a sacrifice double play that scored Chisholm Jr. The game stayed close until the seventh inning, where the Yankees scored four runs. In the eighth, García Jr. homered to right field for 354 feet, scoring Rice to make it 9-3.
Pitching Performance
For the Yankees, Elmer Rodriguez pitched six innings, allowing three hits and three earned runs while walking two and striking out six. Paul Blackburn recorded the win, pitching one inning, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. He did not allow earned runs. Michael Fulmer and Tim Hill each pitched one inning, allowing no hits, no earned runs, and no walks, with one strikeout each.
