Open GIF basket before Astros-Yanks clash
The Astros and Yankees meet in the American League Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET in the Bronx. As we prepare for this intriguing matchup, which can be seen on ESPN, here's a look at some of the top GIFs from each team's season, courtesy of @MLBGIFs.
Astros
1. Orbit dance
Gif: Orbit Dancing Single Ladies
Astros mascot Orbit pays homage to Houston's own Beyonce with a special version of her "Single Ladies" dance during a game against the Dodgers in August. In a strange twist, Beyonce is married to Brooklyn native and noted Yankees fan Jay-Z.
2. Keuchel fans Yanks
Dallas Keuchel, Tuesday's starter, looked unhittable at times during this shutout against the Yankees in June at Minute Maid Park.
3. Correa, no way
How's this for another Astros-Yankees connection? Rookie shortstop Carlos Correa channels Derek Jeter on this defensive highlight.
4. Home run duo
Gif: GIF HOU Combo of Springer's & Gattis' HRs 92815
George Springer and Evan Gattis mash home runs against the Mariners, much to the delight of the Astros dugout. Houston combined for 230 homers this season, second only to the Blue Jays (232), and had 11 players with at least 11 dingers.
Yankees
1. Tanaka smiles
Gif: Masahiro Tanaka Smile Reaction
Masahiro Tanaka flashes a rare smile following his complete-game win over the Blue Jays in August. The Yankees are hoping for a similar postgame reaction Tuesday, which will be his first career postseason start.
2. Bronx Bombers
Gif: Yankees Hit Back to Back Home Runs
The Yankees, like the Astros, finished among the top four teams in homers this season. Here, Greg Bird and John Ryan Murphy go back-to-back against the rival Red Sox at Fenway Park in August.
3. Betances and Miller
Gif: Andrew Miller and Betances Strikeouts
Bullpens are an integral part of postseason baseball, and the Yankees have two of the game's top relievers in setup man Dellin Betances and lefty closer Andrew Miller.
4. Yanks celebrate
Gif: Slade Heathcott homer, celebration
Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees jump for joy after Slade Heathcott's go-ahead, three-run homer in the ninth inning of a crucial September win over the Rays.