If the New York Yankees had any chance at overcoming the 3-0 deficit they faced in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, they needed their bats to get going. While New York’s hitters supplied more thump in Game 4 than they had through the first three games, it wasn’t enough. The Astros defeated the Yankees 6-5 to complete the 4-0 sweep.
Things started well for New York. The Yankees led 3-0 after two innings. But eventual series MVP Jeremy Peña came up in the third inning with two runners on and drew the Astros even, belting a three-run homer.
Trailing 3-0 in the series, the Yankees jumped out to a 3-0 lead in Game 4 against the Astros. But after Martín Maldonado and José Altuve walk, Jeremy Peña ties it with one swing. pic.twitter.com/uH5IZyFob4
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 24, 2022
The Yankees retook the lead in the sixth inning on a home run from Harrison Bader.
Harrison Bader gives the Yankees a much-needed jolt with a go-ahead home run in the sixth inning of Game 4. pic.twitter.com/u8D5tVQHmW
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 24, 2022
Unfortunately for New York and its fans, that was the high-water mark. Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa were not on the same page in the top of the seventh on a potential inning-ending double play. Houston took full advantage of the miscue, scoring the tying and go-ahead runs.
The Astros carried that 6-5 lead into the bottom of the ninth. Ryan Pressly retired the first two hitters, which brought Aaron Judge to the plate. Judge could not replicate the magic that we saw so much of during the regular season and grounded out to Pressly. With that, the game, series, and possibly Judge’s career with the Yankees, came to an end.
Will this be Aaron Judge's final at-bat as a Yankee? Time will tell. What we know now is that the Astros swept the Yankees to move to 7-0 in the postseason.
They'll take on the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series. Game 1 is on Friday night in Houston. pic.twitter.com/5bEZwQBupz
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 24, 2022
Of course, there are two sides to every outcome. One is to look at the losing team and wonder what it did wrong. And to that end, the Yankees were heavily criticized for their poor series.
The Yankees struck out FIFTY times while being swept in four games by the Astros. pic.twitter.com/ccqMHbYxRM
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 24, 2022
The Yankees were terrible this series. They were totally outplayed by Houston. They didn’t deserve to win and the Astros did. I don’t think there is much more to say about it.
— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) October 24, 2022
Embarrassing ending. The Astros own the Yankees. No excuses. It’s that simple. Another failure of a season. Hopefully it leads to a full organizational overhaul. Cashman needs to go. Boone needs to go. The whole front office needs to go.
But nothing will change.
— Tommy Smokes (@TomScibelli) October 24, 2022
Yankees fans: We want Houston
Yankees players: pic.twitter.com/XtGjWZaaNu
— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) October 24, 2022
On the other hand, for every loser, there is a winner. And the Astros received their share of praise for their ALCS performance.
The Astros now hold the record for eliminating the Yankees from the playoffs more than any other team 🤣🤣🤣
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) October 24, 2022
It’s so obvious and we’ve heard it a million times but I cannot believe the Astros lost Carlos Correa and immediately replaced him with a rookie ALCS MVP. We are not worthy.
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) October 24, 2022
Astros are looking DOMINANT heading into the World Series 💪
They still haven't lost a game in the postseason❗ pic.twitter.com/vMi8XdRimF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 24, 2022
The #Astros are perfect in the playoffs…
and this guy hasn't even started to hit yet. 😬 pic.twitter.com/AGMLJVkZ9m
— Daniel Gotera (@DTGotera) October 24, 2022
The Astros are the first team to ever eliminate the Yankees from the postseason 4 different times.
— MLB Metrics (@MLBMetrics) October 24, 2022
Indeed, given their immense history, very few teams have a good history against the Yankees in the playoffs. The Astros, though, are an exception.
Since joining the American League in 2013, Houston has met New York four times in the postseason. The Astros have won all four meetings. They first took the American League Wild Card Game in 2015, winning 3-0. After that, Houston defeated the Yankees in three ALCS’ winning 4-3 in 2017, 4-2 in 2019 and now 4-0 in 2022.
Astros literally breaking out the brooms in their clubhouse celebration. 🧹🧹🧹🧹 pic.twitter.com/hqZ8iWBtjF
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 24, 2022
Awaiting the Astros in the World Series will be the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies clinched the NLCS earlier on Sunday with a 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres.
