(Houston) Justin Verlander pitched six scoreless innings, Yordan Alvarez hit two home runs and the Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-4 in Game 1 of their division series on Saturday.
Jose Altuve hit a long ball in the first inning and Alvarez drove in three runs as the defending World Series champions won for the 10th straight time in a sectional series opener.
Thanks to Verlander’s strong start and hits from Altuve and Alvarez, the Astros took a 5-0 lead after six innings.
Héctor Neris took Verlander’s place in seventh. With two outs, Jorge Polanco hit a three-run homer to right field.
Two shots later, rookie Royce Lewis hit his third long ball in three playoff games, making it 5-4.
Bryan Abreu struck out three batters and Ryan Pressly did not allow a run in the ninth inning, striking out Lewis to end the game.
Altuve jumped on Bailey Ober’s first pitch to hit a first home run as the first batter of the playoff game. Alvarez made it 3-0 in the third inning with a two-run slam against Ober.
Verlander gave up four hits and allowed three walks for his 17th victory in his 35th postseason start.
The second game of the series will be played Sunday in Houston.
