ALCS Game Three, 2017

Astros at Yankees, 5:00 PM PT, TV: FS1

Down two games to none in the series, the Yankees ask LHP C.C. Sabathia (14-5, 3.69 ERA) to be their stopper. The Astros counter with RHP Charlie Morton (14-7, 3.62 ERA). Sabathia started Game Five of the ALDS against Cleveland and struck out nine over 4 1/3 innings, giving up five hits and two runs. David Robertson and Aroldis Chapman finished that game with a win for the Yankees. In Game 4 of the ALDS against the Red Sox, Morton’s first start of this postseason, he allowed two runs and struck out six over 4 1/3 innings. He was pulled in favor of Justin Verlander, who picked up the win in that deciding game.

Today in baseball history:

  • 1912 Fred Snodgrass’ 10th inning two-base error of pinch-hitter Clyde Engle’s routine pop fly in center field sets up the tying run en route to the 3-2 Red Sox victory over the Giants and a World Championship for Boston. The play, which will become known as “Snodgrass’ Muff”, is followed by his spectacular catch of a long drive hit by Tris Speaker, but the 20 year-old outfielder will always be remembered as a goat in the Fall Classic.
  • 1962 With the tying and winning runs in scoring position at Candlestick Park, Willie McCovey’s hard line drive is snagged by second baseman Bobby Richardson for the final out of the World Series. The Yankees win Game 7, beating the Giants, 1-0, capturing the franchise’s 20th World Championship.

  • 1969 The Mets, thanks to Ron Swoboda’s double and two Oriole errors in the eighth inning, win their fourth straight World Series game to become World Champions. Jerry Koosman tosses a five-hitter, beating Baltimore 5-3 in Game 5, a contest which will be best remembered for manager Gil Hodges winning the ‘shoe polish’ argument.
  • 2003 In Game 7 of the ALCS, the Yankees capture their 39th American League pennant, beating the Red Sox, 6-5, thanks to Aaron Boone’s 11th inning home run at the Bronx ballpark. The defensive replacement becomes the fifth player to end a postseason series with a homer, joining Bill Mazeroski (’60 Pirates, WS Game 7 vs. Yankees), Chris Chambliss (’76 Yankees, ALCS Game 5 vs. Royals), Joe Carter (’93 Blue Jays, WS Game 6 vs. Phillies), and Todd Pratt (’99 Mets, NLDS Game 4 vs. Diamondbacks).

17 thoughts on “ALCS Game Three, 2017

      • No lack of admiration for the guy. Guessing that Doc will want to stack the line up with lefties.

  1. Just got back to the mainland, and I’m pleased that the Yanquis won. I want it go the full seven games, perhaps with a couple rainouts, destroying the ‘Stros rotation for the Series.

    • http://www.baseballamerica.com/columnists/expansion-trigger-realignment-longer-postseason/#GhH8dL80jHe4Xr2T.97 Further to previous discussion, seems that Portland and Montreal might be in the mix for expansion bringing number of teams to 32. MLB may need at the same time to address union concerns about travel and off days. This is a scenario that seeks to reduce travel by regional alignment. Does away with interleague play, but by mixing NL and AL teams into four divisions! Wild Card would still exist, however.

      • I’d think that San Antonio might be a stronger candidate than either Portland or Montreal. I’d go to eight-team divisions in each league, first-place teams play each other. Abolish the wild card and the DH.

  2. Growing up I always wanted a Dodger Yankee World Series. It might be good for the TV ratings but I don’t have much interest in any of the Yankee players and thus no interest in the Yankees. The Dodger Astro World Series would pit the two best teams. I like that.