NEW YORK — Jose Altuve stepped into the batter’s box, ready to lead off the game. Chants and very loud boos spilled from the stands at Yankee Stadium. But the boos quickly turned to cheers after Jameson Taillon drilled the seven-time All-Star in the elbow guard with his third pitch.
Two batters later, it was Alex Bregman standing in against Taillon. “Cheater” chants filled the air. Bregman gave a pointed response on the second pitch he saw, sending a three-run homer to the leftfield seats.
Hated Houston was back in the Bronx Thursday night to begin a four-game renewal of a raging rivalry. The Yankees have been running away in the East. The Astros have been running away in the West. They may be on course to collide in a third ALCS showdown in six years.
