ALCS: Takeways from New York Yankees, Houston Astros Game 1
The New York Yankees and Houston Astros go down to the wire in Game 1 of the ALCS…
With the New York Yankees coming off an epic series win in Cleveland and the Houston Astros making quick work of the AL East champion Boston Red Sox, both teams were on a collision-course Friday in game one of the American League Championship Series, where something had to give. As expected, we were treated to a pitcher’s duel, where the game came down to just a few key moments, with the Astros squeaking out a 2-1 victory.
You can sum up the Astros win with solely Dallas Keuchel, who was just flat-out dominant — going 7 shutout innings, recording 10 strikeouts — 7 on swings and misses — making some of the best hitters in the American League look plain silly. In his postseason career, Keuchel has a microscopic ERA of 0.70. If this turns into a long series, he is the X-factor that will put the Astros over the top and into their second Fall Classic in franchise history.
Jose Altuve had a three hit night, to go with a phenomenal diving play which was Sportscenter Top 10 worthy. He also used his speed in the fourth inning to beat out an infield hit, stole second, then scored seconds later on an RBI single by Carlos Correa, which ended up being the deciding run in the game. Stolen bases have been an art that is overlooked, but should be considered more in crucial aspects of ball games and while deciding regular season awards — I’m looking at you Altuve.
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The biggest play of the game came in the sixth inning with two outs when Marwin Gonzalez gunned out Greg Bird at home on a perfect throw. Joe Girardi challenged the play, just to be certain, which he joked around about in the post-game presser:
"We thought he was out, but God knows I’m not doing that again."
Giles gave up a solo shot to the aforementioned Bird, but outside of that one mistake, he was dominant for five outs, being that hammer at the back-end of a strong pitching staff.
The Astros proved in Game 1 that they are the team to beat, while the Yankees showed they can hang with the best. Unfortunately for the boys in pinstripes, if this series goes seven games, they will likely see the filthy Keuchel three times, which is certain doom for their World Series aspirations.
Next: Mariners season review, offseason preview
Expect a very tight series, with the Astros squeaking out a series win, with Keuchel being the difference maker.
Both teams are back at it this afternoon, where the Yankees look to square the series up at one game a piece. You can catch game 2 of the ALCS on Fox at 3:30 EST.