The New York Yankees (77-61) flexed their power in Houston on Tuesday night, launching three home runs in a 7-1 series-opening win over the Astros (76-63) to kick off their massive 12-game stretch against four playoff contenders.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. set the tone early against Houston left-hander Framber Valdez with a two-run homer in the second inning, his 27th of the season and 500th career hit. Chisholm struck again in the eighth with a solo blast, marking just his third and fourth homers off southpaws this year.
The biggest swing came in the fifth. With the bases loaded following a walk to Paul Goldschmidt and singles by Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham crushed a 358-foot grand slam into the Crawford Boxes, stretching New York’s lead to 6-0. Valdez was chased after five innings, allowing six runs on six hits.
On the mound, Max Fried kept Houston’s offense quiet. The lefty carried a no-hitter into the fifth and worked around early control issues, finishing seven innings of one-run ball. He scattered four hits, walked three, and struck out five. The Astros’ lone run came in the sixth on a Yainer Diaz fielder’s choice.
Third baseman José Caballero’s night ended early after being ejected in the third inning for arguing a check-swing call. Ryan McMahon took over in his place.
New York has won eight straight games in Houston dating back to September 1, 2023.
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The series continues on Wednesday at 8:10 p.m. with Will Warren facing Houston’s Jason Alexander.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].