Justin Verlander remained perfect with Houston, pitching seven shutout innings when the team needed him most, in their 7-1 victory over New York to force a game seven in their American League Championship Series (ALCS).
Jose Altuve homered and drove in three runs as the Astros overwhelmed the Yankees on Friday night.
Acquired in an August 31 trade, Verlander has won all nine outings with the Astros. With his new club facing elimination in Game 6 against the Yankees, he delivered again.
After striking out 13 in a complete-game victory in game two, Verlander threw another gem.
The right-hander scattered five hits and struck out eight to improve to 9-0 with 67 strikeouts since being traded from Detroit.
George Springer helped him out of a jam in the seventh, leaping to make a catch at the centre-field wall and rob Todd Frazier of extra bases with two on and Houston up 3-0.
Game seven is Saturday night in Houston, with the winner advancing to the World Series against the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
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