New York Yankees relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle throws during the eighth inning of Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Masahiro Tanaka pitched seven innings of three-hit ball and the New York Yankees finally solved Houston Astros nemesis Dallas Keuchel, beating the ace lefty 5-0 on Wednesday for a 3-2 lead in the AL Championship Series.
Gary Sanchez hit an RBI single off Keuchel and later homered to help the wild-card Yankees win for the third straight day at home and move within one victory of their first trip to the World Series since 2009.
The teams head back to Houston for Game 6 on Friday night, when Justin Verlander and the reeling Astros will try to regain their footing following an off day and force a decisive Game 7. Luis Severino is scheduled to start for New York.
Just days ago, Houston was up two games to none and appeared to be closing in on its second World Series appearance. But the Astros, like defending AL champion Cleveland before them, have been unable to put away these poised Yankees, who improved to 6-0 at home in this postseason in front of their cheering, chanting fans.
New York Yankees' Greg Bird, left, and Todd Frazier celebrate after Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in New York. The Yankees won 5-0 to take a 3-2 lead in the series. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Associated Press
Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel looks back after being taken out of the game during the fifth inning of Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The Associated Press
New York Yankees' Gary Sanchez reacts after hitting an RBI single during the fifth inning of Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The Associated Press
Fans watch as New York Yankees' Aaron Judge catches a long fly ball hit by Houston Astros' Alex Bregman during the seventh inning of Game 5 of baseball's American League Championship Series Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Associated Press