Severino overpowers Astros with 11 strikeouts

Luis Severino struck out 11 in seven overpowering innings, beating longtime Yankees nemesis Dallas Keuchel for the second time this year as host New York topped the Houston Astros 5-3 on Wednesday night.

Gary Sanchez snapped an 0-for-19 slump with a two-run single and the Yankees took two of three from the reigning World Series champions this week to win the season series 5-2. Houston defeated New York in the 2017 AL Championship Series, with the home team winning all seven games.

If these budding rivals meet again this year, it will be in October.

Severino (8-1) allowed four hits, including Max Stassi’s two-run homer, and walked one in winning his sixth consecutive decision. The ace righthander, who hasn’t lost since April 10 at Boston, threw a fivehitter with 10 strikeouts for his first career complete game in a 4-0 victory over Keuchel at Houston on May 2.

PIRATES 2, CUBS 1 » Joe Musgrove (2-0) pitched seven strong innings and his hard slide led to both teams emptying their benches in another tense moment in the series between NL Central rivals, leading host Pittsburgh over Chicago. Musgrove helped end the Pirates’ four-game losing streak by overcoming a shaky first inning to allow one run on seven hits and four walks. TIGERS 6, ANGELS 1 » Jose Iglesias’ two-run single keyed a Detroit’s five-run sixth as the Tigers took advantage of Shohei Ohtani’s departure following the second rain delay in Detroit INJURY NEWS » The Dodgers placed right-hander Kenta Maeda and infielder Chase Utley on the 10-day disabled list. Maeda was diagnosed with a mild left hip strain while Utley has a sprained left thumb . ... Phillies outfielder Rhys Hoskins is likely headed to the DL after a further examination revealed he has a fractured jaw.