Verlander recovers after disastrous 4-run 1st

Justin Verlander had dominated the New York Yankees in the postseason. That trend didn't continue Friday in the first inning of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series.

DJ LeMahieu started the party for the Yankees with a game-tying solo home run to lead off the inning.

Then, with runners on second and third, Aaron Hicks hammered a three-run shot off the right-field foul pole.

It's the first time in the storied franchise's history that the Yankees have hit multiple homers in the first inning of a playoff game, according to Sportsnet Stats. It's also the first time Verlander has allowed multiple first-inning long balls in a postseason contest, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com.

Verlander escaped without allowing any further damage but threw 29 pitches in the process.

He proceeded to look more like his vintage self after the fourth run crossed the plate. The right-hander retired 20 of the next 21 batters he faced and didn't allow another run over his seven innings of work.

The damage was done, though, and Verlander was outdueled by James Paxton, who allowed one run in six innings to secure the victory.

Entering Friday, Verlander was 4-0 with a 2.38 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts over eight playoff starts against the Yankees.

Game 6 will be played Saturday night in Houston.