The Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros benefited from home-field advantage and strong starting pitching to take the first game of their respective American League Division Series.
Boston fended off a late challenge from the New York Yankees after jumping out to a five-run lead in the first three innings.
Houston hit a quartet of home runs, chased Corey Kluber before the end of the fifth inning and its bullpen threw 3.2 scoreless innings.
David Price and Gerrit Cole will be tasked with securing 2-0 leads for their respective sides in an attempt to match the advantages held by the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League.