Yankees Lose Game Two, Down 0–2 in ALCS
Offense stagnant again, Severino’s one mistake costly
The New York Yankees fell 3–2 to the Houston Astros on Thursday, falling to 0–2 in the ALCS.
The offense was once again an issue, only mustering two runs (both unearned) against Astros starter Framber Valdez.
If Valdez doesn’t make a fielding and throwing error in the fourth inning, the Yankees get shut out.
Luis Severino was sharp for most of the night, but one mistake pitch to Alex Bregman in the third cost him and the Yankees the game.
“You got to score,” manager Aaron Boone said.
Game summary
Bregman opened the scoring with a three-run bomb in the third.
New York responded with two unearned runs.
Anthony Rizzo grounded out to drive in one, and Gleyber Torres hit an infield single.
Severino was done after 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, walking one, and striking out six.
Jonathan Loáisiga and Wandy Peralta each had a scoreless appearance in relief.
Severino (0–1) picked up the loss.
Offensive notes
Nine hits and 30 strikeouts in 18 innings are exactly how you lose to the Houston Astros.
It was relieving to see some runs scored without the home run, but with only four hits all night, there was no traffic and no legitimate threat on the bases.
Aaron Judge nearly gave the Yankees the lead in the eighth, but it was caught at the wall.
His fly ball would have been a home run in one ballpark: Yankee Stadium.
A return to the Bronx will hopefully wake the offense up.
Pitching notes
Severino was brilliant aside from one bad fastball.
On a 1–2 count, instead of elevating the fastball that served him well all game, he left it in the strike zone for Bregman to muscle out.
Sevy believes Houston got “lucky” with Bregman’s home run and Judge just missing his.
It’s a bold statement, but in reality, the Yankees are going to have to get lucky to come back in this series.
Looking ahead
Following a travel day on Friday, Gerrit Cole will get the ball in a must-win game.
Lance McCullers, Jr. will toe the slab for Houston.
First pitch is scheduled for 5:07 p.m. EST.
Let’s go Yankees!
