ALCS Game 3 preview
Scene shifts to Yankee Stadium as Astros lead series 2-0
Oct 11, 2017, 2:53 am
George Springer looks to get the Astros bats going. Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images
The Astros and Yankees play Game 3 of the ALCS today. Here is a preview of the game. Check back during the game for inning by inning updates:
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Yankee Stadium.
TV: Fox Sports1.
Streaming: Fox Sports Go.
Pitching matchup: Charlie Morton vs. C.C. Sabathia.
Series: Astros lead 2-0.
The breakdown: The Astros took the first two games at Minute Maid with fantastic pitching performances from Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. Saturday's dramatic victory was one for the ages, with Jose Altuve dashing home in the ninth on a gusty play. Today's game features a pair of 14-game winners in Charlie Morton of the Astros and veteran C.C. Sabathia for the Yankees. Morton will likely have a short leash, because the Astros can take a stranglehold on the series if they can get by this one. But don't count out the Yankees. They had chances to win both games at Minute Maid and rallied from down 0-2 to beat a terrific Indians team in the first round.
Series schedule:
|
| Pitching matchup | |
Game 1 | Astros 2 | Yankees 1 | Keuchel (W), Giles (S), Tanaka (L) |
Game 2 | Astros 2, | Yankees 1 | Verlander (W), Chapman (L) |
Game 3 | Today, 7 p.m. | Yankee Stadium | Charlie Morton vs. CC Sabathia |
Game 4 | Tues., (TBA) | Yankee Stadium | TBA vs. Sonny Gray |
Game 5* | Wed., (TBA) | Yankee Stadium | TBA vs. TBA |
Game 6* | Oct. 20 (TBA) | Minute Maid Park | TBA vs. TBA |
Game 7* | Oct. 21 (TBA) | Minute Maid Park | TBA vs. TBA |
* Games 5-7 are if necessary.
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The Houston Astros are finally starting to show signs of turning the corner. After a sluggish start to the season, the offense is beginning to click, the pitching staff remains dominant, and the impact of the Kyle Tucker trade is starting to look like a clear win.
One of the more encouraging developments has been the recent plate discipline from Christian Walker. Known for his power but also for chasing pitches out of the zone, Walker has now drawn multiple walks in four straight games. It's a sign that his approach is tightening up—and he's recovered from his oblique discomfort, starting every game this season.
Yainer Diaz has also provided a much-needed spark. After a quiet stretch at the plate, Diaz came alive with a grand slam against the Angels, his most impactful swing of the year and a potential sign that his bat is heating up.
But the biggest buzz in Houston may be around the players acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade. Cam Smith has looked like he belongs in the big leagues, holding his own at the plate and flashing confidence in the field. Isaac Paredes, meanwhile, has posted a higher OPS than Alex Bregman, while right-hander Hayden Wesneski turned heads by striking out 10 Angels in a dominant start. Early returns suggest the deal could pay off big for the Astros.
Statistically, the Astros offense is still a work in progress, but it's no longer at the bottom of the barrel. After sitting dead last in slugging and near the bottom in OPS last week, Houston has climbed to 23rd in team OPS—right in the mix with the Rangers and Mariners. Slugging percentage still lags behind (27th overall), but there's some movement in the right direction.
Houston has scored the 21st-most runs in the league—better than only the Rangers in the AL West. Yet thanks to strong pitching, the Astros sit at +2 in run differential, the only team in the division with a positive mark.
That pitching has been the backbone of the team so far. Houston ranks 13th in ERA at 3.69, is third in opponent batting average (.190), and leads all of Major League Baseball in strikeouts with 166. It’s a staff that keeps them in every game and has the potential to dominate when the offense catches up.
The early season numbers still reflect a team trying to find its footing, but the signs are there. If the recent progress continues—Walker’s improved discipline, Diaz’s power, and the emergence of new contributors—Houston could soon be back to the top of the AL West.
We have so much more to cover. Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday!
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