Altuve’s dash beats Yanks

HOUSTON » Jose Altuve raced home on Carlos Correa’s double in the ninth inning, Justin Verlander struck out 13 in a complete game and the Astros beat the Yankees, 2-1, Saturday for a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series.

Correa also homered, but Houston needed a daring dash from Altuve to get Verlander a win. The 5-foot-6 AL MVP frontrunner reached with a oneout single against closer Aroldis Chapman, then sprinted around from first base on Correa’s shot to right-center field, sliding past catcher Gary Sanchez as he misplayed a short hop. Altuve had two more hits and is 13 for 23 (.565) this postseason.

Verlander pitched another gem for the Astros, setting a postseason career best for strikeouts and allowing five hits in his second career complete game in the postseason. He threw a season-high 124 pitches and retired baby Bronx Bombers Aaron Judge, Sanchez and Greg Bird in the top of the ninth.

In the bottom of the inning, Judge picked up Correa’s hit in right field and threw toward second base. Shortstop Didi Gregorius fielded it there, and his throw beat Altuve to the plate by a few steps. But Sanchez bobbled the hop as Altuve slid by, and the Astros mobbed Correa in shallow center field. Altuve pointed toward Correa and his teammates from behind the plate.

The Astros took their first ever 2-0 lead in a Championship Series in front of a crowd of 43,193 that included Rockets stars James Harden, Chris Paul and Trevor Ariza in frontrow seats. Minute Maid Park buzzed throughout, and fans let out huge cheer when manager A.J. Hinch sent Verlander back out to pitch the ninth inning.

“No words were necessary,” Verlander said. “It was my game to win or lose.”

Verlander got the first complete game by any pitcher this relieverheavy postseason and his first nine-inning outing since his Tigers beat the Astros, 3-2, on July 30, 2016.

DAVID J. PHILLIP — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Astros’ Jose Altuve scores the game-winning run past Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez during the ninth inning of Game 2 of the American League Championship Series in Houston.