Since 2015, no team has gotten in the New York Yankees’ way like the Houston Astros.
They really became their nemesis: Houston eliminated New York from the 2015 Wild Card Game and the 2017, 2019, and 2022 American League Championship Series.
That’s four times; four eliminations, with no series wins for the Yanks in the playoffs against the Astros.
The 2017 ALCS was probably the most painful for fans, but the 2019 one is not far behind.
The Yankees actually won Game 1 with a 7-0 performance, with Masahiro Tanaka silencing the local bats at Minute Maid Park.
Houston took three straight games, though, to position themselves for the series victory.
Behind a huge three-run homer by Aaron Hicks against Justin Verlander in the first inning, the Yankees took Game 5.
On this day, but four years ago, Houston secured a crucial, thrilling Game 6 win to advance to the World Series.
“4 years ago today, Jose Altuve sent the Astros to the World Series with a walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman,” MLB on FOX tweeted.
4 years ago today, Jose Altuve sent the Astros to the World Series with a walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman pic.twitter.com/nrb7ic9yAQ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 19, 2023
Before Altuve got the chance to hit against Chapman, DJ LeMahieu had tied the game with an unbelievable two-run homer in the top of the ninth.
But Chapman was never one to be fully trusted in postseason play, and Altuve was born to play in these instances.
The flame-throwing reliever had gotten two outs, but walked George Springer and then surrendered the towering shot to Altuve.
Chapman’s smirk became an image that fans won’t forget for a long time, as Altuve rounded the bases and the city of Houston went into a frenzy.
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