Originally questionable for the wild-card game, Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez didn't look to be feeling any ill effects when taking New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka deep for a solo shot in the fourth inning.
The 406-foot blast to left field was the second homer for the Astros on the night, doubling their lead to 2-0.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Gomez finished his swing with an emphatic bat flip, but was left unscathed by catcher Brian McCann when crossing home plate. The pair were involved in a confrontation at home plate two years ago after McCann took exception with Gomez's reaction following a home run.
After the Astros' 3-0 win, an ailing Gomez revealed to reporters just how sore he was entering the pivotal game.
"I mean, I can explain how pain - because every time I swing, I swing and I miss I feel it. But when you step on the field and you've got all the adrenalin and you hear those fans, it's a lot of things come through your body and push you in a situation like that," Gomez said. "It's not time to be a hero, because I understand my body. I know my body really good. And I say let me stay in, let me stay in. I can handle this.
Houston was 57-11 in the regular season when hitting multiple home runs, the best winning percentage in the majors, according to ESPN.