The ALCS shifts to the Bronx as the New York Yankees and Houston Astros head east for game three in their best-of-seven series. Houston extended its' lead to 2-0 following a 3-2 win on Thursday night after another dominant starting pitching performance, this time by Framber Valdez. The pitching matchup on Saturday night will feature Houston righty Christian Javier (11-9, 2.54) against Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (13-8, 3.50). First pitch is scheduled for 5:07pm EST.
The NFL, College Football, the NHL, the NBA and the MLB playoffs…oh my! Check out all my premium picks for a variety of premium events. My Best Bet of the week is available for only $49.99 (normally $100) if you use this link. Don't miss out as this comes with a profit guarantee. Win or get the money back in credit!
Looking for all the top NBA Predictions, Win Totals, Playoffs O dds, Individual Awards Odds and more for the 2022-23 season? Who will win the MVP and which teams will make the NBA Finals? Try the Sports Bettor’s Ultimate NBA Betting Guide for FREE! Click here for more info.
The Houston Astros have thus far taken the Yankees playoff formula and done it better: strong pitching and power hitting. After winning game one 4-2 behind six innings and 11-strikeouts from Justin Verlander and three solo home runs, the Astros did it again on Thursday night. Houston had just one home run, but it was a three-run homer by third baseman Alex Bregman, and got seven strong innings from Framber Valdez. Valdez struck out nine batters, didn't walk anyone and allowed just four hits and two runs. Houston is now 5-0 in the postseason heading to New York.
“We got a few guys hot. We would like to get everybody hot before it’s over with,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said.
Cristian Javier will start Game 3 of the ALCS. pic.twitter.com/oPgzES6zB2
— Houston Astros (@astros) October 21, 2022
The Astros are hitting just .229 thus far in the postseason including an 0-for-23 performance from Jose Altuve but are still 5-0 in the playoffs. The Astros power hitting has helped immensely with 10 home runs in the five games. On the mound, the Astros have a 1.83 ERA and have allowed just 34 hits in 54 innings pitched. They also have an impressive 11.5 K/9 rate over that span. Christian Javier will take the hill in game three, looking to give the Astros a nearly insurmountable 3-0 lead in the series. Javier was dominant down the stretch with an ERA of 0.37 in his last five appearances while allowing just seven hits in over 24 innings pitched. In two starts against the Yankees, Javier went 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA while allowing just 2 hits in 12 innings. He walked five and struck out 16 in the two games.