In MLB playoff series, it’s awfully important to start on the right foot.
Taking a 1-0 lead in a postseason matchup gives the team an important edge for the rest of the series: not only is that squad closer to the goal, but the mental and emotional boost of being ahead is crucial.
The Houston Astros understand this.
After all, they have been major players in the MLB postseason since the mid-2010s, most notably after 2017.
The Astros have gone to six straight American League Championship Series counting 2022.
They won in 2017, 2019, and 2021 and lost in 2018 and 2020.
They are the closest thing there is to a dynasty in MLB right now.
Baker Knows How Crucial It Is To Win Game 1
Manager Dusty Baker knows the importance of winning Game 1 in each series.
“Since Dusty Baker took over as manager in 2020, the Astros have won Game 1 in six different playoff series, including last night. In each of the previous five instances, they have gone on to win the series,” ESPN Stats & Info tweeted.
Since Dusty Baker took over as manager in 2020, the Astros have won Game 1 in six different playoff series, including last night.
In each of the previous five instances, they have gone on to win the series. pic.twitter.com/iwYtZwP1NX
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 20, 2022
That piece of data is fairly conclusive: each time the Astros have won Game 1 of a postseason series, they have won the matchup since Baker has been at the helm.
It’s not impossible for a team who lost Game 1 to win the series, but it becomes much more difficult.
The Astros took it last night, with a 4-2 score against the New York Yankees behind a masterful start by Justin Verlander.
The Astros were already favorites entering the series, and Wednesday’s victory does nothing to hurt that status.
To the contrary: it enhances it.
If Houston can win Game 2 on Thursday, it could be a blow that the Yankees may not be able to recover from.
NEXT: The Astros Own A Shocking Postseason Stat In 2022