Jose Altuve slugged his ninth career postseason home run and Justin Verlander allowed one hit over seven scoreless innings as the Astros recorded a 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of the American League Division Series on Friday.

Mike Foltynewicz was banished to Triple-A Gwinnett for six weeks earlier this season. On Friday, he continued his path to redemption by pitching seven shutout innings to help the Atlanta Braves beat the visiting St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 and even the National League Division Series at one game apiece.

Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu hit bases-loaded doubles, and the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 10-4 Friday night in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer led the charge on just two days of rest as the Washington Nationals got even in the National League Division Series with a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.