The New York Yankees managed to stay alive in the American League Championship Series and force their way back to Houston, where another tough test awaits. The Yankees will try to force a decisive Game 7 when they visit the Houston Astros in what will be an unconventional bullpen vs. bullpen Game 6. From the first pitch to the final out we break down the best ways to wager Game 6 of the ALCS.
NEW YORK YANKEES AT HOUSTON ASTROS (-140, 9 @ BETAMERICA)
QUICK HITTER
It’s crazy to think how much baseball has changed over the last few years. Even just a couple of seasons ago to think that there would be a bullpen vs. bullpen matchup in Game 6 of the ALCS would be crazy. But that’s exactly what we get today.
Chad Green is the leading candidate to get the opening spot for the Yankees. The 28-year-old logged a total of 5 2/3 innings in five appearances so far during the postseason and held the opposition scoreless until Thursday, when he surrendered a home run to Carlos Correa. Houston will counter with Brad Peacock.
With both teams getting in late last night, we like the slightly fresher bullpen arms to have the edge early. Bet the opening frame to be scoreless.
Pick: Run in the First Inning - No
FIRST FIVE INNINGS
Veteran left-hander J.A. Happ, who started 30 games during the regular season but made both of his postseason appearances as a reliever, could log multiple innings in Game 6 before turning things over to that excellent Yankees bullpen.
If Happ gets multiple innings for the Yankees, the Astros have a good track record against the lefty. Houston’s projected starting lineup hits .303 with a 1.158 OPS and eight dingers against Happ over the course of their career.
Meanwhile, Peackcock has only pitched six time since Aug. 20, where he has a 4.05 ERA. Take the Over first five total.
Pick: Over 4.5 First Five Innings
FULL GAME TOTAL
These are the two best lineups in baseball this season, even though they haven’t looked like it so far this series. But this feels like the game were both teams could finally break out to some extent. And maybe since both lineups have faced the bullpens so much this series, they’re starting to get more familiar with each other. The total may also get a hand from the umpires in this one. Mark Carlson will be calling balls and strikes in this one and the Over is 24-11-2 in his last 37 games behind home plate. Game 6 will be fun. Take the Over.
Pick: Over 9
FULL GAME SIDE
The Yankees clearly have the edge when it comes to the bullpens. The New York bullpen has a 2.27 ERA and is limiting opponents to a .167 batting average this postseason. While Houston’s relievers have a 4.18 ERA and a .257 average in the playoffs. And those numbers would be worse if not for Roberto Osuna retiring all 12 batters he’s faced this series.
With Tommy Kahnle, Zack Britton and Aroldis Chapman at the back of the bullpen, we like New York to win Game 6 and send the ALCS to go the distance.
Pick: Yankees +115
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