Division Series' Day 2: I Am Tired

 

So it's not looking terribly likely that the Yankees will be showing up at all this ALDS. The offensive rally that they couldn't muster yesterday was reserved to the point in today's game where it was already out of reach. After getting shut down by Kevin Gausman, the Yankees now were shut down by Trey Yesavage, a guy with even less games under his belt than Schlittler and even more outright dominance. The 22-year-old went 5 innings, struck out 11 and allowed no hits. Yes, the bullpen gave up seven runs, but the Yankees had already given up 13 by that point so it wasn't a big loss.

At the very least, I'd like if if the Yankees offense could do at least something in Game 3 in the Bronx. I knew we had our work cut out for us playing the Jays, but the home crowd at least suits us better against these guys. Besides, we've got Rodon on the mound, at least give him something to get excited about.

Now...Skubal I predicted going a while without letting anybody through. Luis Castillo I did not call. I'm grateful for it, as the pure lights-out ability Castillo has does manage to show up every so often, even if he was a bit more spotty this year. Castillo only allowed 1 hit in 4 and 2/3rds innings, and was dominant on a night where Jorge Polanco figured out how to break through Tarik Skubal. Twice.

Last year I was really thinking Polanco to Seattle was a dumb move, but I think it was just 2nd base that cursed him. Once he moved over to DH he got so much better as a power bat. He's been having to play 2nd more often just because...Ben Williamson can only do so much, but he's found his sweet spot again, which is great. And he was undoubtedly the hero in this game, though Julio and Cal did combine doubles to sink the win late. 

Very happy the M's pulled this one out. Gilbert v. Mize in Detroit is gonna be interesting.

The NL ones are tomorrow. Hoping for both of those to be evened. The Phils need to remind people why they got that 1st round bye.