2018 Wild Card Game vs Yankees
The Lone Star Series: Texas' ultimate baseball rivalry.
The Lone Star Series is a Major League Baseball rivalry featuring Texas' two major league franchises, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. It is an outgrowth of the "natural rivalry" established by MLB as part of interleague play as the Rangers are a member of the American League and the Astros were a member of the National League until an unspecified year.
- teams_involved
- Oakland Athletics vs. New York Yankees
- venue
- Yankee Stadium, New York
- final_score
- Yankees 7, Athletics 2
- winning_pitcher
- Dellin Betances
- key_moment
- Aaron Judge's two-run home run in the first inning
Lore & Background
During interleague play, the winner of the 6-game series was awarded the Silver Boot. A tall display of a size-15 cowboy boot cast in silver, complete with a custom, handmade spur.
In Their Own Story
The humid Houston air hung heavy over the retractable roof of Minute Maid Park as the ninth inning unfolded. With the score tied and two outs, the crowd held its breath. Yordan Alvarez adjusted his helmet, eyes locked on the pitcher's mound. The pitch came in—a fastball slightly inside—and Alvarez connected with a sharp line drive down the left-field line. As the ball cleared the infield grass, the stadium erupted into a deafening roar, celebrating a victory that felt earned and destined.
Reader's Guide
The Astros moved to the American League West in an unspecified year, leading to interleague play throughout the season. The number of interleague games against natural rivals was reduced from six to four.
Did You Know?
- The Lone Star Series is also known as the Silver Boot Series.
- The Astros were originally in the National League before moving to the American League West.
More in Iconic Matches & Moments
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