MLB playoffs: Astros sweep Yankees to return to World Series

Houston Astros have won the AL Championship Series. They will play Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series starting on Friday. The Yankees lost the series 6-5. The Astros won their second consecutive pennant and fourth in six years. It was the first time both pennants were decided on the same day since 1992. Houston won its fifth pennanting in franchise history and second World Championship. Philadelphia won 87-75 during the regular season. Their manager Dusty Baker finished with 106-56. New York won in five games. Harrison Bader had three hits and scored three times for the Yankees.

Gary Pettis is recovering from an illness. First base coach Omar Lopez has been filling in for Pett is. Justin Verlander is likely to start the World Series opener. Yankees begin their 2023 spring training on February 25. They play Philadelphia on March 25 and host San Francisco on April 30.