It’s no question that the New York Yankees did not play well in Game 2 and Game 3. They had a chance to steal a game against Justin Verlander in Houston in Game 2 and blew the opportunity.
Game 3 was pretty much the same. Gerrit Cole, who didn’t even pitch that well, was still able to silence the Yankees’ offense. There was a boatload of chances the Yankees failed to capitalize on.
“It’s obviously a little frustrating we weren’t able to break through with him,” said manager Aaron Boone. “But I think up and down we gave ourselves a chance. And anytime you’re facing a guy like that, you want that kind of traffic. And we had that in several innings. He made big pitches when he had to.”
Should fans be worried?
It’s important to remember that the series is 2-1. Things can switch at the drop of a hat. Momentum changes, things happen. Obviously, not ideal to start the three games at home this way, but it’s not over yet. As the great Yankee Hall-of-Famer Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
Something important to take away from these two games against Cole and Verlander is that the Yankees caused a lot of traffic and stress pitches on them. It’s the offense’s fault for not taking the opportunities to pull away.
Even though the Yankees’ offense hasn’t been able to produce the last two games, the games have been close. A 3-2 ballgame and a 4-1 game is something to realize. The defense is holding up. The pitchers are doing their jobs (except for a few exceptions).
Overall, look at the big picture. It’s a seven-game series with two more home games to go. The New York Yankees have the ability to flip a switch at any moment. Sit tight, the series isn’t over.