The New York Yankees (-170) are on the road to face the Houston Astros (+145) at Minute Maid Park on Thursday in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series with the home team looking to extend their advantage. The early total was set at 7 (O: -105 | U: -115). The Astros (110-56) took Wednesday’s series opener 4-2, their fourth straight head-to-head victory and sixth in eight games this season. Justin Verlander went six innings to get the win, giving up one run on three hits and striking out 11, and Ryan Pressly pitched 1.1 scoreless innings to earn his 35th save. Jeremy Pena went 3 for 4 with a solo home run and two doubles in the win. Chas McCormick added a home run and two runs. Anthony Rizzo was 1 for 2 with a solo home run for the Yankees (102-66).
ON THE MOUND
Luis Severino (7-3, 3.18 ERA) is in line for the start for New York. The right-hander allowed three runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 6-5 home defeat against the Guardians on Saturday. He yielded eight hits while striking out six in the no-decision. Over two previous starts against the Astros this season, Severino has allowed five earned runs over 12 innings (0-2, 3.75). He has struck out 11 and walked four. For Houston, lefty Framber Valdez (17-6, 2.82 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior start against the Yankees this season, giving up three runs over six innings in a 7-6 road defeat on June 23. He gave up two hits and walked three, while striking out seven in the no-decision. In his last start on October 13, Valdez took a no-decision at home against the Mariners. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out six and walking three in the 4-2 victory. The left-hander is tied for second in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged only 3.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.9, while performing worse across the board (.173/.247/.358). Against lefties like Valdez this season, the Yanks have a .768 OPS. Aaron Judge is the team’s strongest performer against left-handers with a 1.010 OPS in 135 at-bats. Houston is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.5 for the season. The ‘Stros have a .726 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .881 OPS over 361 at-bats, Alex Bregman has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 43-41 away from home in 2022, scoring 4.8 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. Houston has won five in a row at home. The ‘Stros are 58-26 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.1. Houston is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park despite an average scoreline favoring New York (3.5-3.3).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Yankees won the AL East. The Astros finished first in the AL West.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
