Even in a Loss, Yankees (and Their Fans) Show Some Pluck

A recent hot streak and a series win over the hated Houston Astros have dramatically improved spirits in the Bronx.

Jose Altuve, the Houston Astros’ second baseman, turned 31 on Thursday. No one would have expected Yankees fans to serenade a star of a reviled rival with a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” but simply ignoring the event would have been preferable for Altuve during his team’s 7-4 win at Yankee Stadium. “Your birthday,” chanted Yankees fans, with a colorful expletive before “your.” Two weeks ago, Yankees fans treated their favorite team in a similar fashion. They booed liberally, and perhaps rightfully so: The Yankees had a 6-11 record on April 21, and Giancarlo Stanton — a frequent target of their ire given his talent, huge contract and checkered injury history — was hitting .158.