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We’re on to Game 2 of the ALCS between the Yankees and Astros, and the drama could not be any greater. New York must grab a win here in Houston to avoid a dreaded 2-0 hole, but will it? Let’s break this game down.
New York Yankees (+130) vs. Houston Astros (-150) Total: 7
Like previous days where we had just one game, I’m going to give you two plays for this fun little ALCS Game 2 we’ve got brewing on Thursday night in Houston.
First and foremost, let’s talk about Framber Valdez. He pitched to a 3.54 ERA at home this year and a 2.27 ERA on the road. His first start of the postseason came at home against the middling Mariners, and there he allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings. He also had a 7.78 ERA in the postseason last year which included two separate starts in the World Series where he allowed five earned runs.
Valdez allowed three earned runs over six frames in his only start against the Yankees this season, which makes sense considering New York ranked seventh in wRC+ to lefties during the regular season. I have faith in this team, which has hovered around four runs scored per game during the postseason, to get to the lefty.
On the other hand, Luis Severino spun two consecutive Quality Starts against the Astros this season and is fresh off a pretty solid outing in Cleveland in the ALDS which saw him allow three runs over 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. Couple that with his 11 punchouts in 12 innings against Houston this year and I think he’s live to move through this game quite easily.
Jose Altuve is still hitless this postseason and outside of a core three hitters, Houston isn’t too formidable of a lineup. There’s no reason why this team should be a heavy favorite with Valdez on the hill particularly with Severino taking care of the other side.
Edge: Yankees +130, Severino 5+ Strikeouts
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