Verlander Stifles Yankees as Astros Take Two-Game ALCS Lead

The Houston Astros took the first two games of the American League Championship Series from the New York Yankees by identical 2-1 scores.

The potent Yankees lineup has been stifled by great Houston pitching and on Saturday, Justin Verlander pitched a complete game, striking out thirteen. He has to be a happy man having escaped Detroit in a late-season trade to a World Series contender.

The Yankees kept the game close and didn’t give up the ghost until the ninth inning when shortstop Carlos Correa’s double drove home Jose Altuve and Minute Maid Park erupted.

The Astros have a legitimate shot at a title this year, largely due to adding another ace to the staff to complement an offense that has both power and speed.

The Yankees didn’t have an answer for either Verlander nor Dallas Keuchel who hurled then K’s on Friday.

The Bronx Bombers do have a chance to get back into it, due to the formatting of the championship series, the next three games will be in New York.

The Yankees were also down 2-0 to the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS prior to taking three in a row to stage the comeback.

Overcoming the Astros will be a monumental challenge and game three is a must-win for the Yanks.

Game three will take place on Monday at 8 pm ET in Yankee Stadium.