This archive report was first published on 20 October 2019.
Game 6 of the A.L.C.S. Heats Up ¶
The Astros took an early 3-0 lead with Yuli Gurriel's three-run home run in the first inning, but the Yankees clawed back with a run in the second inning, chasing Brad Peacock out of the game.
Peacock recorded five outs, but he started to lose command when his pitch count rose. With two outs, Didi Gregorius doubled to right field, and Peacock walked Gio Urshela, prompting A.J. Hinch to make the first of what should be many pitching changes in this game, asking Josh James to face Brett Gardner.
James got out of the jam when he caught Gardner looking at a dubious strike three call. The pitch looked outside and maybe high.
The Yankees turned to the former Astros lefty J.A. Happ in the bottom of the second, and he had a nice, quiet inning. It was just what the Yankees needed.
Yuli Gurriel hit a three-run home run off opener Chad Green to give the Astros a 3-0 lead. Green struck out George Springer to start the inning, but he labored after that, giving up a double to Jose Altuve and then one out later he walked Alex Bregman.
For the Astros, Brad Peacock picked up where he left off last night, setting down the Yankees in order on 7 pitches. Astros Manager A.J. Hinch said before the game that he liked the idea of using Peacock because of his measured demeanor.
‘And who better to kick off the chaos of a bullpen day than a calm Brad Peacock,’ he said.
Chad Green pitched for the Yankees, and the Astros are turning to Jose Urquidy in the fourth.
Urquidy only pitched in nine games for the Astros this year (seven of them starts) but he could have a big role tonight. Hinch would probably like him to eat up some outs in the middle of this game to save his back-end relievers for later in the game.
Meanwhile, Happ got through the third without giving up a run, despite George Springer’s leadoff walk. Luis Cessa was warming up for the Yankees, and the Astros are turning to Jose Urquidy in the fourth.
Urshela homered off Jose Urquidy to draw the Yankees to within a run, at 3-2. It was his second home run of the A.L.C.S. He also homered in Game 1.
Urquidy only pitched in nine games for the Astros this year (seven of them starts) but he could have a big role tonight. Hinch would probably like him to eat up some outs in the middle of this game to save his back-end relievers for later in the game.
‘It’s crazy thinking we’re in the Game 6 of the A.L.C.S. and we’re going to have upwards of double-digit number of pitchers pitching in a game of such magnitude,’ Hinch said before the game. ‘Welcome to 2019.’
