The New York Yankees have been waiting for someone to come through with a big hit in the first inning. DJ LeMahieu gave them everything they hoped for to leadoff the bottom of the first on Friday.
After the Houston Astros took a 1-0 lead in Game 5 of the ALCS, LeMahieu came through with the response. He launched Justin Verlander’s fastball into the seats to tie it up and get Yankee Stadium rocking.
New York’s fan base had grown anxious entering the night after the Yankees’ lineup went cold. On a night when the team is facing one of the game’s best pitchers, perhaps LeMahieu’s early spark will help push New York to a comeback in the series.