HOUSTON — Sonny Gray was much improved but the New York offense was shut down by a stellar performance from Charlie Morton. In today’s series opener, the Yankees fell to the Astros, 2-1, at Minute Maid Park.
This ended a nine-game winning streak for the Yankees, which dated back to an April 21 win over the Blue Jays.
Morton was dominant all night, giving up just one run while striking out ten Yankees. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, before Austin Romine ended his bid with a single down the right field line.
Aided by three Houston relievers, the Bombers were unable to get in a rhythm all night against the Astros’ pitching stuff.
George Springer led off the game with a single and would eventually come around to score on an RBI groundout by Carlos Correa.
Yuli Gurriel then doubled up the lead with a two-base hit to bring home Jose Altuve in the fourth.
While he did take the loss, Gray provided reasons for optimism for both his team and Yankee fans. In tonight’s game, he was able to consistently throw strikes and make it past the five-inning mark.
The New York starter would finish with a line of four hits, two runs, three walks, and four strikeout against the defending champions.
The Yankees finally showed some life in the eighth. With two outs, Gleyber Torres hit a double to left field that would chase Morton from the game.
Aaron Boone then sent up Aaron Judge, who had the day-off, to hit for Austin Romine. After Judge was walked by new pitcher Brad Peacock, Houston made another change.
This time, Brett Gardner greeted Chris Devenski with an RBI single to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Devenski, however, would strikeout Didi Gregorius to end the rally.
Gardy HAMMERS an RBI line drive!@Yankees are on the board down 2-1 in the 8th.
WATCH: https://t.co/nNNtXJ5Tou pic.twitter.com/hC4zmsX6f1
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 1, 2018
In the ninth, Ken Giles struckout the heart of the Yankee lineup to closeout the win for Houston.
Houston ace Justin Verlander faces Jordan Montgomery in the second game of this series tomorrow.
Current Yankees Record: 18-10
