A winner-take-all Game 7 is one of baseball’s most dramatic scenarios. The Yankees and Astros should give us an ALCS finale to remember.
Game 7. One of baseball’s greatest moments, and it all comes down to tonight. On one side you have the perennial powerhouse New York Yankees, and the other features one of baseball’s best stories in the Houston Astros. Coming off Justin Verlander‘s flawless performance in Game 6, and the resurgence of the Astros’ offense, we are all gearing up for what should be an instant classic.
All season long the Houston Astros have managed to bounce back from adversity, but the Yankees have shown the world they are ready to return to the spotlight. With Aaron Judge and CC Sabathia returning to his lethal form, the Yankees are going to give the Astros all they can handle in Game 7.
The pitching matchup clearly favors the team from the Bronx, but the home field advantage and the threat of an offensive outburst favors the opposition. With the Astros looking to win their first ever World Series, this could prove to be a true nine-inning battle.
So how did we get here?
Games 1 and 2 belonged to Houston through timely at bats and clutch pitching. With Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander throwing gems, the Yankees were forced to return to New York down 2-0 and simply could not afford to drop a game at home. Then the Yankees reminded us not to give up on them so quickly as they decimated the Astros at home, winning all three of their games convincingly. (Okay, Game 4 was interesting.)
With the media jumping on the Yankees bandwagon, all but assuring a Game 6 victory and the pinstripes advancing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, the unthinkable happened. The guy who was traded to the Astros at the deadline saved the entire season for the city of Houston. The once dominant Justin Verlander showed the entire world that he is not ready to ride off into the sunset quite yet.
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It took until the fifth inning of Game 6 for someone to plate a run, and for the sake of Verlander it was the Astros who jumped out in front. While Verlander scratched by in the sixth and seventh innings, you can thank George Springer for the memorable catch in center.
Game 6 wasn’t a proving ground for the Astros, but rather a statement. A statement that even though this team may look down and out they’re still the best team remaining in the American League playoffs. This team won over 100 games this season, and folks, that isn’t to be taken lightly in 2017.
Even after Judge hit a solo shot to make it 3-1, the Astros came out in the bottom of the eighth and put the thing on ice. With Minute Maid Park rocking it was clear the team in orange and white wanted a Game 7 to prove to the world that they are for real, as they won decisively, 7-1.
Next: Rangers 2017 Season Review
So, Game 7. You have the American League Wild Card-winning New York Yankees, and the American League West-winning Houston Astros. We have played an entire 162-game season, and it has all led to this. With the Dodgers awaiting the winner in the Fall Classic on Tuesday evening, it’s time to find out who will win the American League pennant.