It wasn’t exactly a pretty start to the ALCS for the New York Yankees.
After busting out for five runs against the Cleveland Guardians in the clinching game of the ALDS, the Yankees managed just two runs in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros.
Houston took the opener by a final of 4-2 to grab an early lead in the series.
In fact, the Yankees struck out a grand total of 17 times in Game 1.
The Astros on the other hand, struck out only twice.
According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, the 15-strikeout differential is the largest in one game in postseason history.
the Yankees struck out 17 times tonight
the Astros struck out twice
That 15-strikeout differential is the largest in a game in postseason history
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 20, 2022
Yanks Offense Shut Down In Game 1 Loss
Two home runs, one from Harrison Bader and another from Anthony Rizzo, were all the Yankees could muster in Game 1.
They also left seven runners on base, as the big hit simply eluded them.
But a 15-strikeout difference is what set them and the Astros apart last night.
Justin Verlander, who got the start for Houston, threw six innings and allowed just one run, and was responsible for 11 of the Yankees 17 strikeouts.
The Yankees also managed just five hits against Astros pitching.
On the pitching side for the Yankees, starter Jameson Taillon lasted just 4.1 innings.
Game 2 of the series will take place tonight, as the Yankees hope for a better offensive showing than what we saw in Game 1.
New York will send right-hander Luis Severino to the mound in hopes of evening the series before it shifts to Yankee Stadium for Games 3, 4, and 5 over the weekend.
Houston will counter tonight with left-hander Framber Valdez.
We’ll see if the Yankees’ bats can wake up and put together a better performance in Game 2 of the series.
NEXT: Luis Severino Had A Random Shot At The Rays