:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65474540/usa_today_13517443.0.jpg)
1:08 pm - Astros @ Yankees (1-1)
The AL Championship Series has, at least, been much more of an even series, though the two games so far have been radically different in tone. The Yankees cruised to victory against Zack Greinke in Game 1, with Masahiro Tanaka dominating. But the Astros edged Game 2 to level the series, winning it dramatically on Carlos Correa’s 11th-inning walk-off homer, immediately after some controversy around Gary Sanchez’s at-bat. It has certainly been a series of the unexpected, and we’ll see what Game 3 will bring. Gerrit Cole gives Houston the edge, not having lost since May 22. Including two post-season, outings, he is 18-0 in 24 starts, with a 1.66 ERA and a staggering 251 K’s in 162.1 IP.
5:05 pm - Cardinals @ Nationals (0-3)
To be fare, it’s not just Goldschmidt who has deserted the Cardinals. Their entire offense has managed two runs through three games, and is batting .121/.167/.143 for a .310 OPS. For comparison, National League pitchers last year, hit .131/.161/.168 for a .329 OPS. Yes, the entire St. Louis line-up, including Paul Goldschmidt, have batted like the people whose very existence represents the biggest argument put forward by supporters of the designated hitter. And that’s after a veritable offensive explosion last night, which saw them get seven hits. Mind you, they also struck out sixteen times while walking none. The vast majority of playoff series which go 3-0 end up in sweeps - 29 of 36. It’s not looking good for Goldy.