NEW YORK -- There were some smiles in the Yankees clubhouse following Wednesday night's 5-3 victory at Yankee Stadium.

Beating up on the world champs again was fun for everyone.

Watching ace Luis Severino do to the Houston Astros what Justin Verlander and other Astros pitcher did to the Yankees in October was enjoyable.

And having banked five wins in seven games against the Astros was added confidence, reassuring the Yankees that they are as good as they think they are.

This was a barometer series for the Yankees and Astros, as their recent four-game set in Houston was. Both times, the Yankees lost the first, then took the rest, and along the way we learned a few things.

Such as, if the Yankees can keep it close, even on a night the Astros are getting great starting pitching, they're in good shape if they can get into Houston's bullpen.

That's how they won 4-0 in Houston on May 1 after Verlander worked eight shutout innings and then departed, and that's how they won Tuesday night, when they lit up the Astros' bullpen for two in the ninth to tie and then a run in the 10th to win, 6-5.

"We're trying to get the starter out as soon as possible and trying to get into their bullpen," Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks said. "That's our objection every game and we were able to do it."

These comeback wins also showed the resiliency of the Yankees, who never seem to be out of a game.

"It's what I love about our team," manager Aaron Boone said. "We walk out those doors and we go play with an expectation that we're going to be a great team. It doesn't mean you always get the result you want every night, but that's the expectation.

"I think it's why guys go out there and compete so well, night after night, no matter what's going on over the course of the night and how it's unfolding. Our guys are really good at competing throughout.

"We put together a game plan, and they go out and do their best to execute it and play through all the way, and I think that's perhaps the greatest trait of the guys in that room."

This attitude mixed with a ton of talent has the Yankees 35-17 after 51 games, and now a 5-2 mark against the mighty Astros.

These games were tests for the Yankees, and they aced them. And along the way, it probably planted a seed in the Astros' heads that the Yanks are on a mission to avenge losing last year's ALCS in seven games.

Also, these games were so good that it probably served as a reminder to both clubs that there's a good chance they'll be seeing each other again in October.

"When I look across at that (Astros) club, I look at them as a really good team," Boone said. "We know that. I certainly think we have their respect and we know we're a really good team.

"But we also recognize it is only May. It's great to go up against the best and have some success - no question about it - but I would say it's a long season and both sides have a lot of confidence that we have a chance to have special seasons."

Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook.