Pineda outduels Keuchel as Yanks nip Astros

HOUSTON — The Yankees somehow found a way to get the best of nemesis Dallas Keuchel on a night he had some of his best stuff of the season.

Chase Headley and Austin Romine each had RBI hits to back seven strong innings from starter Michael Pineda to lead the Yankees to a 2-1 win over Keuchel and the Astros in the series opener Monday night at Minute Maid Park.

George Springer clubbed a homer on Pineda’s first pitch of the game, and Keuchel sent down 13 of the first 14 batters he faced before Didi Gregorius doubled with two outs in the fifth and scored on Headley’s bloop single. Headley led off the eighth with a single and scored on a double by Austin Romine to put the Yankees ahead, 2-1. The Yankees improved to 51-48 with the victory, reaching three games over .500 for the first time this season.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDAustin ‘powers’ one: Romine has showcased a much-improved bat all year long, saying that he feels the game has finally slowed down for him and cementing his role as the Yanks’ backup catcher. The 27-year-old delivered in a big spot against Keuchel, as Romine’s eighth-inning blast to deep center hopped against the wall. Carlos Gomez fielded it on Tal’s Hill as Headley scored the go-ahead run from first base.

No help for the Beard: For the second game in a row, Keuchel pitched a great game that wasn’t enough for a win. This time, Keuchel went 7 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs and striking out …

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