Astros sweep Yankees to advance to World Series again

In recent years, it’s almost become an October ritual: Astros top Yankees. Astros take pennant.

Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman delivered big hits and Houston advanced to the World Series again, finishing a four-game sweep in the AL Championship Series with a 6-5 victory Sunday night aided by another defensive gaffe from New York.

Taking advantage of a costly error by second baseman Gleyber Torres to produce the go-ahead rally in the seventh inning, the Astros won their second consecutive pennant and fourth in six years.

Rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña hit a three-run homer off ailing Yankees starter Nestor Cortes to help the AL West champions overcome an early 3-0 deficit. Peña was picked as the ALCS MVP.

Houston opens the World Series at home Friday night against Bryce Harper and the wild-card Philadelphia Phillies, who beat San Diego to close out the best-of-seven NLCS in five games.

It was the first time both pennants were decided on the same day since 1992.

After losing to Atlanta in last year’s World Series, Houston is 7-0 this postseason, earning the fifth pennant in franchise history and another chance at its second championship.

The team’s 2017 title was tainted by a cheating scandal.

New York remained without a World Series appearance for 13 years as Aaron Judge’s sensational season ended with a whimper. After setting an AL record with 62 home runs, the star slugger can become a free agent next month.



Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel, Alex Bregman and relief pitcher Ryan Pressly (55) celebrate after the Astros defeated the New York Yankees 6-5 to win Game 4 and the American League Championship baseball series, Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)