The Yankees will start C. C. Sabathia against Corey Kluber, the Indians’ ace, for the opportunity to face Houston in the American League Championship Series.
The Yankees — with an assist from Urshela — pounced early on Trevor Bauer, who had shut them out for seven innings in the series opener. They rode the electric right arm of starter Luis Severino, who delivered a redemptive performance after being knocked out early in a wild-card victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Severino, with his team facing elimination and its bullpen running on fumes, relied heavily on his 100-mile-per-hour fastball over seven strong innings. He allowed four hits — including a two-run homer to Carlos Santana and a solo shot to Roberto Perez — while striking out nine.
When Michael Brantley singled with one out in the seventh and the Yankees already staked to a 7-3 lead, Manager Joe Girardi appeared headed to the mound. But the pitching coach Larry Rothschild got his attention, and Girardi returned to his perch on the top railing of the dugout.
…
