There was only one game on the schedule in MLB today, as the Yankees and Astros played Game 2 of the Championship Series in the American.
For the occasion, Luis Severino was Aaron Boone’s right-hand man while Framber Valdez was on the mound for the locals.
For alignments, it looked like this:
In the first two innings, the starters were able to limit the damage. Severino saw a few runners hit the trails, but in the end the threat was over.
In third, however, Severino was not so lucky. With two outs and two runners on the trails, the Yankees starter was just one strike away from getting out of the inning. However, Alex Bregman had other plans, he who catapulted a ball to left field for a big three-run homer.
That said, the Yankees quickly secured a response. After a defensive error by Valdez, the Bronx squad was able to squeeze in two points with balls placed in play.
However, that was the only time Valdez faltered, he who once again got a quality start with two earned runs in seven innings of work. Even today, strikeouts have multiplied for the formation of the Bronx.
However, with the Astros threatening in the bottom of the seventh inning, Jose Altuve hit a ball to Gleyber Torres that seemed destined to be a hit. However, the Yankees second baseman played a superb defensive game there to catch the ball and initiate a double play that ended the inning.
In doing so, Altuve now has no hits in 24 at bats since the start of the playoffs, which is a Major League record. And it’s certainly not the Bronx that will mourn Altuve’s failures.
Then, half an inning later, Aaron Judge hit a ball that went within inches of giving the Yankees the lead. However, Kyle Tucker was there a good defensive game to stop the threat.
Note that the ball would not have crossed the fence. That said, she would have crossed it in only one Major League stadium: Yankee Stadium.
In the ninth inning, the Yankees found a way to make things interesting. Josh Donaldson found a way to get a two-out walk (Tim Locastro replaced him on the cushions), and Matt Carpenter came to the plate.
However, he was struck out, ending the Yankees’ hopes of a comeback. Seventh strikeout in seven appearances at the plate for Carpenter in this series.
The Astros therefore win by the score of 3-2 and now lead the series 2-0.
The series now moves to the Bronx, with Game #3 to be played on Saturday. For the occasion, Gerrit Cole will be on the mound and, unless there is a surprise, it will be Lance McCullers Jr. who will be his opponent.
The Yankees can’t afford to lose the next game, to put it that way.
