Houston Astros: Postseason magic, the bullpen, and THE Dynamic Duo

3 of 3

The Houston Astros salvaged their series, tying up the best-of-seven ALCS 1-1 after a laser that was blasted to the sun, according to Alex Bregman in a post-game interview.

Many Astros fans have been worried about the lack of offense provided by this series, but did Game Two reveal a chink in the Yankees seemingly unbeatable armor?

POSTSEASON MAGIC

In recent history, every Astros fan can recall the postseason magic created by past Astros teams that helped them get through a game, a series, or even clinch their first World Series win in 2017. From Jeff Kent‘s 2004 NLCS walk-off home run at Minute Maid Park to Chris Burke‘s walk-off home run in extra innings vs. the Braves in the 2005 ALDS.

More recently, Jose Altuve‘s three home runs in game one of the ALDS vs. Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox, Carlos Correa‘s walk-off double scoring Jose Altuve vs. the Yankees in Game 2 of the 2017 ALCS.

We all remember the 2017 World Series with key moments from George Springer, Marwin Gonzalez, Brian McCann‘s key hit when Derek Fisher came in as a pinch-runner, leading to the Alex Bregman walk-off hit in extra innings of Game 5 of the World Series.

Going into Game 2, the Houston Astros needed this kind of magic. Carlos Correa repeated his walk-off heroics from 2017, but this time with a home run. It was a no-doubter, a laser, an absolute rocket, and I promise no one was sleeping in a train this time.

The explosion of the crowd that hadn’t been quieted since before the game, to the boom of the pyrotechnics, to the sound of that glorious train horn. What a moment, as Correa rounded the bases cupping his ear as to signify where are my doubters now.

THE BULLPEN

The Astros bullpen has handled their business for the most part. In Game 1, Bryan Abreu, a new face to the bullpen, and Ryan Pressly, a historically dependable arm, each gave up two runs extending the Yankees lead over the Houston Astros 7-0 in a game one loss. Other than these two innings the Astros bullpen when called upon has done a great job. Josh James has done an amazing job coming in to salvage innings, limit damage, or get the job done.

Joe Smith has thrown 3 1/3 innings and given up zero hits, along with zero runs. Will Harris has been phenomenal, also known by his alias Will Smith. Along with flame-throwing Roberto Osuna, the Houston Astros bullpen has come through.

Pitching lines for Astros relief pitchers. Will Harris, 3.2 IP, 0 Runs, 2 Hits, 5 Ks and an astounding goatee Josh James, 3 IP, 0 Runs, 3 Hits (ALDS), 6 Ks (3 in one inning ALCS), 1 Win Roberto Osuna, 4 1/2 IP, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 6 Ks, 1 Hold

These numbers would tell me as long as the Astros starters can hold the line into the 7th inning, this bullpen is locked in and can have the upper hand against a stellar Yankees bullpen.

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 06: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros reacts after a strikeout in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians during Game Two of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 6, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

The Dynamic Duo

When I think of dynamic duos, I think of Han Solo and Chewbacca, Batman and Robin, Spider-Man and Human Torch, Starsky and Hutch — the dynamic duos are endless. But more baseball-focused ones would be Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, even Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte.

These all spark excitement and wonder in our minds. Usually, one is the main hero, and the other is a compliment or sidekick. When it comes to Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole they are 1 and 1A. There isn’t a weak link, and one isn’t the hero while the other plays a supporting role. That rings true in most 1-2 pitchers among the all-time greats. This duo is dynamic because they would be the ace on any staff.

Their lines in the 2019 playoffs are as follows:

Verlander: 16.2 IP, 13 Hits, 6 ER, 20 Ks, 3 HRs, 3.18 ERA Cole: 15.2 IP, 6 Hits, 1 ER, 25 Ks, 0 HRs, 0.57 ERA

Cole has become an absolute pitching assassin on the mound and with him going into the unfriendly confines of Yankee Stadium there’s nothing that tells us his momentum will be stopped.

Verlander needs to do what he does — rear back, throw high heat, create swings and misses, and be on target with his slider. He has the power to quiet the opposing fans even in Yankee Stadium.

This pair has been consistent, and with both of them being able to start another game and possibly be used out of the bullpen in Game 7, the Astros have a better than average chance to complete the job.

So here is a wrap on this topic the Astros need these 4 things to win more games than the Yankees in the 2019 ALCS.

They need more postseason magic, its hard to come by in Yankee Stadium but it can be done. (Shortest RF porch in the MLB…we still have Yordan Alvarez)
The bullpen needs to continue to pull its weight and be lights out, other than a couple of hiccup innings, they have to feel good about their chances here. (Still have a fresh Brad Peacock.)
The Dynamic Duo will do what they have done and get high strikeout numbers.
The Astros need Zack Greinke going into the 6th or 7th inning, this team could steal game 4 from the Yankees, or Game 5 when he pitches.

Next. Astros: Solid pitching and the bat of Carlos Correa even up series. dark

Home / Astros News

Houston Astros: Postseason Magic, the Bullpen, and THE Dynamic Duo

The Houston Astros salvaged their series, tying up the best-of-seven ALCS 1-1 after a laser that was blasted to the sun, according to Alex Bregman in a post-game interview.

Schedule