Author: Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY

The Astros are one win away from a fourth World Series appearance in six years – with a very different look.

As the series shifts to Yankee Stadium for Saturday’s Game 3, a look at three reasons why the Astros retain a significant upper hand in this ALCS.

Punchless in the ALCS, the Yankees need do little more than hop on a plane to enhance their chances of a turnaround.

A fan ran onto the field moments before the top of the ninth inning during Game 2, spending several moments with Jose Altuve before he was removed.

Alex Bregman slugged a three-run homer in the third inning to lead the Astros over the Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS.

Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña each hit solo home runs for the Astros to secure Game 1 of the ALCS over the Yankees.

Home runs by Yuli Gurriel, Chas McCormick and Jeremy Peña off the taxed Yankees bullpen provided the difference in a 4-2 Game 1 victory.

The Yankees are back in the ALCS, but for the sixth consecutive year, the American League pennant runs through Houston.

Three 100-win teams were knocked out before the NLCS while 87- and 89-win wild card clubs battle for the pennant. That’s OK, Gabe Lacques writes.