Yankees rout Astros 9-3 behind four-run seventh inning surge

Bellinger Powers Late Surge

The New York Yankees defeated the Houston Astros 9-3 on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Yankee Stadium. The decisive momentum shift occurred in the seventh inning when the home team erupted for four runs to take command of the contest. Cody Bellinger was the catalyst, driving in two runners with a double to center field.

That play brought home Nicky Lopez and Juan Soto, extending the Yankees' lead significantly. The Yankees finished the inning with four total runs, including a single by Aaron Judge that scored Bellinger and a double by Jazz Chisholm Jr. that brought home Judge.

Early Exchange and Mid-Game Balance

The game began with an immediate offensive exchange in the first inning. The Astros took an early 1-0 lead when Jose Altuve doubled to center, allowing Carlos Correa to score. The Yankees answered quickly with a home run by Juan Soto to right field, tying the game at 1-1.

The Astros then scored again via a groundout that allowed Alex Bregman to cross the plate, giving Houston a 2-1 advantage. The Yankees responded in the fourth inning with a solo home run by Aaron Judge to center field, tying the score at 2-2.

Houston regained the lead in the same inning when Jeremy Pena grounded into a double play, allowing Yordan Alvarez to score and making it 3-2.

Error and Home Run Finish

The seventh inning was marred by defensive miscues. The Astros scored on a fielding error by the Yankees' shortstop, putting them up 3-2 before the Yankees' offensive burst. The final run of the game came in the eighth inning, when Juan Soto hit a two-run home run to right field.

This drive brought home Bellinger and another runner, sealing the 9-3 victory for New York. Three home runs were hit in the game: two by Soto and one by Judge.

Pitching and Records

Elmer Rodriguez earned the win for the Yankees, pitching six innings while allowing three earned runs on three hits. He struck out six batters and issued two walks. Paul Blackburn secured the save, pitching one inning with one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts.

For the Astros, Peter Lambert took the loss, pitching 5.2 innings while allowing seven hits and two earned runs. He walked three batters and struck out five. Bennett Sousa recorded the loss, pitching 0.1 innings while allowing five hits and four earned runs.

The Yankees improved to a 75-57 record, while the Astros fell to 66-67. Attendance at Yankee Stadium was 40,269.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816682