For the second series in a row, the New York Yankees find themselves down 2-0 to a team that won 100-plus games during the regular season. The Bronx Bombers rattled off three straight victories against the Cleveland Indians but can they recapture that magic in Game 3 vs the Houston Astros on Monday?
The Yanks have had plenty of issues vs the ’Stros, as Houston has won seven of the nine meetings between the two clubs so far this year. However, in those nine games, the Astros only outscored the Yankees 47-43 with four of Houston’s victories coming by just one run.
Charlie Morton will take the bump for the Astros in this one. The 33-year-old has made one postseason appearance, in Game 4 of the ALDS when he allowed two runs in 4.1 innings of work. Morton has been a quietly steady presence in the Astros rotation, as the righty has allowed two or fewer runs in each of his past six outings.
The Yankees will start CC Sabathia for the first time this series after the big southpaw outdueled Corey Kluber twice in the ALDS. Sabathia has surrendered four runs while racking up 14 strikeouts to three walks in two postseason starts this season. The left-hander has allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight of his past 10 starts.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
New York was a -125 moneyline favorite earlier in the day at Sportsbook, based on the starting pitcher matchup. That pairing made oddsmakers at Sportsbook pick an Sportsbook OVER/UNDER number of 8.5.
OddsShark computer prediction formulas pick a 3.8-3.6 win for the Astros on Monday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Houston Astros vs New York Yankees Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The New York Yankees sport a record of 95-75 heading into this matchup, while the Houston Astros sit at 106-62 on the season. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and New York vs Houston injuries news.
According to MLB Power Rankings here, it's the No. 4-ranked New York Yankees and the No. 2-rated Houston Astros in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and New York has baseball's No. 2-rated offensive output, at 8.94 hits per game. The Houston Astros average 9.77 hits per game, good for No. 1 on the list.
New York owns the No. 3 defense, allowing 5.23 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Houston's No. 8-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Next Betting Matchups
Houston at New York, Tuesday, October 17