Yankees vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for ALCS Game 1 (Astros Should Crush Jameson Taillon)

The New York Yankees don’t have much time to enjoy their win in Game 5 of the ALDS on Tuesday, as they take on the Houston Astros on Wednesday night. 

Houston has been off since Saturday after sweeping the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, so it has its rotation set up perfectly for this series with New York. The Yankees haven’t been able to get over the hump against the Astros in the ALCS, but will things change this season? 

Game 1 brings an interesting pitching matchup, as Astros ace Justin Verlander (18-4, 1.75 ERA) matches up with Jameson Taillon (14-5, 3.91 ERA). The Astros have the clear advantage here, as this is Taillon’s first career start in the postseason, but Verlander was roughed up in Game 1 of the ALDS. 

Here are the odds and a pick for Game 1 of the ALCS:  

Yankees vs. Astros Odds, Run Line and Total

Yankees vs. Astros Prediction and Pick

The Yankees are riding high off of a win on Tuesday, but there are a ton of concerns about this offense. 

The Yankees failed to record more than six hits in any of their games in the ALDS, registering just a .182 batting average. 

That’s going to be problematic against a vaunted Astros pitching staff, especially since New York doesn’t have its rotation lined up the way it would like. Instead of Gerrit Cole going Game 1, New York is turning to its No. 4 starter in Taillon. 

Houston had the best bullpen in baseball this season, and we’ve seen the Yankees’ pen struggle at times already in the playoffs, specifically in Games 2 and 3 of the ALDS. With Taillon on the mound here, I don’t see New York matching Verlander on the mound. 

The Yankees righty allowed six runs and 10 hits in his lone start against Houston this season.

If the Yankees don’t hit a bunch of homers, they’re going to be in trouble tonight. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.