HOUSTON — Gerrit Cole finally stuck it to the Astros.

The right-hander ended the first half of the season the same way he started it: as the Yankees’ ace in superb form.

Cole had his best start of the season, shutting out the Astros in a 1-0 win in front of another sellout crowd at Minute Maid Park on Saturday.

Aaron Judge hit a third-inning homer to spark the Yankees’ offense, but Cole carried the day.

With Aroldis Chapman warming in the bullpen, Cole remained in the game to start the ninth.

Jose Altuve started the inning with a single to center.

Michael Brantley flied to center before Yuli Gurriel struck out.

Aaron Boone then went to the mound and an animated Cole talked his way to staying in the game to face Yordan Alvarez. Cole fanned Gurriel to end it, throwing a career-high 129 pitches in the process for the complete game shutout in a throwback performance.

Cole gave up just three hits and a pair of walks, while striking out 12 — his highest total since he fanned a dozen in a win at Tampa Bay on May 12.