By Derek McAdam
October 21, 2022
***
The Yankees lost the 2nd game of the ALCS against the Astros by a 3-2 score, and now are down 2-0 going back to New York for the crucial Games 3 and 4.
Quick Stats:
Luis Severino 5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Jonathan Loaisiga: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB
Yankees 7-9 Hitters: 0-for-9, 5 K
The Big Story:
In the third inning, Alex Bregman gave the Astros their lone three runs with a three-run home run to put the first runs on the board for either team. In the top of the 4th, Anthony Rizzo hit a sacrifice fly to cut the Astros’ lead to 3-1. Gleyber Torres then slapped a single into left field to score a run and make the game a 3-2 Astros’ lead. Ultimately, these would be the only runs scored for either team.
The pitching was terrific on both sides.
The Yankees kept is close, but they couldn't get that third, or fourth, run.
Players of the Game:
The bullpen was the high point of this game, as they gave the team 2.2 scoreless innings of work. Jonathan Loaisiga and Wandy Peralta did their part to keep this game as close as it could possibly be.
Notable Performances:
Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres were the only players to drive in runs for the Yankees, and both had notable performances in the field last night.
Aaron Judge hit a long fly ball that was within inches of going out and giving the Yankees the lead. Inches!
Better to Forget:
The entire Yankee team would love to forget last night’s game. They find themselves just two losses away from their season ending and will need big performances over the next few games or the season ends in disappointment again.
Specifically, Matt Carpenter continues to hurt the Yankees, as he is 0-for-7 this postseason with seven strikeouts.
My Take:
Once again, this was another painful loss for the Yankees. They not only are down two games to zero, but now are facing must-win games at Yankee Stadium. While these losses are disappointing, they should not be shocking. The Yankees are a team based on the home run ball, and are rarely able to hit with runners in scoring position. The pitching staff was not terrible, although Severino, once again, made one crucial mistake that cost the Yankees a win.
Carpenter continues to be a problem for the Yankees, as he has struck out in all seven at-bats this postseason.
There isn’t much else to say about the loss. The Yankees now will turn to their ace, Gerrit Cole, to try and turn this series around. Game 3 will basically determine how this series ends up. If the Yankees win, there is hope that the tides may be turning. If they lose, their season won’t be too far from being over.
It’s time to forget about these first two games and focus on the next two, because they will be the biggest games so far this season.
What’s Next?:
The Yankees head back to the Bronx to take on the Astros in Game 3 tomorrow evening. Although it is too early to determine, Lance McCullers Jr. is slated to start for the Astros, while Gerrit Cole will most likely go for the Yankees. The game is set for a 5:07 p.m. EST start from Yankee Stadium and will be broadcast on TBS.
