The new york yankees are currently leading the series against the Houston Astros, 3-2. Previously down 0-2, critics and analysts predicted the Yankees would lose this series. However, the Yankees defied the odds in the wild card game and, hope to do it again tonight. Game 6 is tonight in Houston.
Statistically, 83.3% of teams that lost the first two games in the ACLS, lost the series. The Yankees are used to winning against odds. Against the Indians, the Yankees chance of winning was slim. In fact, no team prior won the wild-card series after a 0-2 deficit.
The Yankees can win game six against the Houston Astros and, here are some takeaways from previous games that prove it.
Decisive game three victory
Playing at home, the Yankees had their best offensive performance of the postseason. Scoring eight home runs, the batting lineup did not disappoint the home crowd. Yankees' designated hitter, Chase Headley, snapped the DH hitless streak. In addition, Aaron Judge finally got out of his postseason slump. He hit a line drive over the field wall, garnering a three-run home run.
Yankees' pitching was the key to their victory. C.C. Sabathia kept the Astros scoreless through six innings and, only allowed three hits. As a team, the Astros batted a terrible .169.
One of the best offensive teams in the MLB has only scored four runs through three games.
Momentum-shifting game four win
Aaron Judge has completely turned around his postseason performance. Leading the playoffs in strikeouts, Judge's lack of performance hurt the team. However, in games 3 and 4, Judge has been able to hit home runs in Yankee Stadium.
3-6 with two home runs, the momentum has shifted in the Yankees' favor.
Yankees' pitching once again saved the game. After the miraculous comeback from the Yankees, it was up to the pitchers to hold the lead and, they did not disappoint. Winning the game 6-4, the Yankees held the Astros scoreless for several innings.
Lead gained from game five
Game five proved my earlier predictions about the Yankees' bullpen. Their bullpen completed dominated the Astros while the Astros' bullpen has been struggling. The Yankees' relievers close the game with a 1.76 ERA throughout the series whereas the Astros' relievers have a 6.17 ERA. Yankees' ace, Mashiro Tanaka, allowed zero runs against one of the best offenses in the MLB.
The Astros have been struggling to produce anything offensively. They have scored a total of nine runs through five games. With runners in scoring position, the Astros have gone 4-27 throughout the series. The energy in Yankees' stadium has the Astros visibly shaken.
Predictions for game six
The Yankees have the momentum to close the series at Minute Maid Park.
In order to win, the Yankees need to be able to score in away games. They were only able to score two runs through the first two games in Houston. So, if the batting lineup keeps producing and, the Yankees' bullpen continues to perform well, then the Yankees will head to the World Series.
