Tanaka, Torres tackle Houston, take three of four from 'Stros

It's official: Gleyber is indeed good.

In a rollercoaster-type ballgame that featured multiple lead changes, the Yankees were staring defeat in the face in the ninth, but then decided to casually load the bases without allowing the Astros to record a single out.

Prior to the exciting ending, the Yanks stormed out of the gate with three early runs in the first three innings, setting Masahiro Tanaka up for success. They rode that wave until the seventh, when Tanaka was replaced with Chad Green who allowed all three of his inherited runs to score.

Additionally, Green gave up two more runs, giving the Astros a 5-3 lead heading into the ninth inning.

The Astros were all set to split the four game series evenly, but rookie sensation Gleyber Torres and Aaron Hicks, who started the game on the bench with the day off, had other ideas instead.

With the bases loaded, Torres ripped a game-tying, two-run single to even the score at five in the top of the ninth. Shortly after, Hicks scored on an Aaron Judge infield force out.

Prior to crossing the plate, Hicks managed to piece together an impressive at-bat which resulted in a table-setting single off Astro reliever Will Harris.

These three runs that came late in the game, along with the three early runs recorded in the first three frames added up to a 6-5 Yankee victory.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Although Tanaka was not able to pick up the win, he did pitch a full six innings, making sure not a single Astro batter crossed the plate. The 29-year-old righty looked rather dominant in his latest outing, shutting down a potent Houston offense and looking more and more like the pitcher he is supposed to be.

He was charged with three earned runs thanks to a rare rough appearance by Chad Green, but still ended the day with a solid stat line: 6.0IP, 5H, 3ER, 0BB, 5K, 83 pitches, 60 strikes.

Offensively, Yankee bats put up a six spot against a dominant Astro pitching staff, scoring three early in the ballgame and three much later in the afternoon.

Gleyber Torres was certainly a key player today, recording 1H and 3RBI in the process.

Neil Walker (yes, he's still around) had himself a solid ballgame this afternoon as well, recording 1H and 1RBI of his own.

Additionally, Aaron Judge and Ronald Torreyes contributed to the scoring, as the pair tacked on two more RBI collectively.

HIGHLIGHTS

Here's Walker avoiding the tag with an impressive slide, giving his team an early 2-0 lead:

https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/992112019850563584

Additionally, here's the RBI single Walker was responsible for, a nice compliment to his 10/10 slide:

https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/992131372037877762

Gleyber, who is good, tied the game with two RBI in the final frame:

https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/992148896712343553

Lastly, you will find Aroldis Chapman closing the door on the Astros, officially sealing the series win for the Yankees:

https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/992153282041729024

OTHER NOTES

As mentioned above, Green did not look like his normal self this afternoon, struggling in relief and blowing a three-run lead.

Chasen Shreve and Chapman, however, were very effective, shutting down the 'Stros late in the ballgame.

UP NEXT

Tomorrow vs. Cleveland: CC Sabathia (2-0, 1.71) vs. Josh Tomlin (0-4, 9.16)

Final Score: 6-5

Current Record: 21-10