Astros have the edge, but I think the Yankees will make it a series, including winning tonight’s Game 4.
On Tuesday, the Astros managed their second straight victory in the Al Championship Series, despite ace Gerrit Cole delivering (by his standards) a mediocre performance. But his composure under pressure was enough to escape troublesome jams and help the ‘Stros keep a firm hold on the game. The Yankees, on the other hand, are searching for power–much needed to replace a pathetic one-run performance.
Tanaka goes tonight (photo, SYN)
Tonight we’ll see Tanaka and Greinke start, respectively, for New York and Houston.
It’s a winnable game for either team, but the two games that follow have A.J. Hinch and his Astros feeling confident. The reason is Cole, Justin Verlander, and Greinke. The Yankees rely on their powerhouse bullpen, which has allowed opposing hitters a .167 batting average during the playoffs.
Typically, the contrast in pitching would theoretically serve to advantage one team or the other, but here’s the thing: It is Fall people! That means the wild card is weather, rain, that is. Game 4 was supposed to be played on Wednesday, and–if it had been played–that would have allowed the Yanks to get a full day’s rest before facing Verlander in Game 5.
But now we’ll have games played on three consecutive days, unless (of course) Houston closes out the series earlier. That means the Yankees face a dilemma. They need to use their bullpen resources carefully. The best option is for Tanaka to fashion a strong, winning start tonight.
Put another way (and much more strongly), tonight may be the most important game of the year for the Yankees.
Here’s my Game 4 Prediction: Astros will take an early lead behind that power at the top of their lineup. But eventually, the Yankees will get to Greinke, and the New York bullpen will hold the lead after Tanaka departs. Yankees win, 7-4.
