The New York Yankees needed to be perfect to beat Justin Verlander and the Astros in Game 1 of the ALCS. They were anything but.
On Tuesday night, the Yankees were on top of the world after beating the Guardians to advance to the ALCS.
On Wednesday night, they crashed back to earth, shot down by the Houston Astros in Game 1.
New York’s weaknesses were exposed on every front, from lineup choices to bullpen management to shrinking star power.
Which three Yankees bear the bulk of the blame for the loss?
3 Yankees most to blame for disheartening Game 1 loss to Astros
Clarke Schmidt
Aaron Boone called on Clark Schmidt in a high-stress spot in the fifth inning. He loaded the bases before getting out of trouble on a double play. When he came back out for the sixth, he had Yuli Gurriel in an 0-2 count. Things were going well…until he dealt Gurriel a home run-worthy pitch and gave up the lead.
Schmidt had one job. He blew it and it effectively cost his team a chance at victory.
Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge is going to be named the American League MVP. He set a new AL record with 62 home runs. He had a historic season.
All of that will count for nothing if he can’t produce runs or even get on base when the Yankees need him the most.
Judge went 0-for-4 in Game 1. He did make a spectacular catch on the defensive end, so he wasn’t completely useless but New York needed offense and they got nothing. He’s the man on this team. He’s the one who has to step up. No excuses.