Any hopes that the New York Yankees had of coming back in the ALCS had to have been dashed when they learned that Cristian Javier was starting Game Three.
Javier had been the starter on June 25, firing the first seven innings in the Houston Astros’ combined no-hitter over New York. He had pitched well in his other outing against them in Houston, combining to allow one run on two hits and five walks, striking out 16 batters. As the Yankees entered Game Three down 2-0 in the series, Javier might have been their worst case scenario.
Cristian Javier dismantled New York Yankees when it mattered most
Saturday’s outcome was not a surprise. Javier dismantled the Yankees again, holding them to just one hit over 5.1 scoreless innings, walking three while striking out five. This gave him 12.1 innings at Yankee Stadium this season, where he did not allow a run and had 18 strikeouts. He clearly has figured something out against them.
This is not just a matter of finding a flaw in 2022. Javier had pitched well against them in his one outing against them in 2021 as well, throwing three shutout innings in relief where he allowed one hit and a walk while striking out five.
Sometimes, a player just destroys another team. They are the perfect matchup, something about the approach works to their advantage. Such is the case with Javier and the Yankees – he just has their number.
This time, his dominance has pushed the Yankees to the brink. Only one team in MLB playoff history has come back from being down 3-0 in a series, something that the Yankees are fully aware of. Considering that, if they somehow manage to force a Game Seven, Javier would be on the mound, the odds are stacked against them.
Cristian Javier has completely owned the New York Yankees in his career. His performance in Game Three of the ALCS had to be expected based on his track record.