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The Yankees came away with an impressive victory last night thanks to CC Sabathia's strong start and the lineup's offensive output. After falling to Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander earlier in the series, New York has a chance to tie things up against Lance McCullers tonight.
Sonny Gray will get the start, making this his first playoff appearance since he allowed three runs on three hits and four walks in just 3.1 innings during Game 1 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. The Yankees have seemingly been reluctant to use him after that, but now they have no choice with the team still down two games to one. Gray has struggled since last month, when he put up a 4.58 ERA in September. Hopefully things will be different tonight.
McCullers, meanwhile, took a step back this year after putting together two impressive campaigns to start his career. He was an All-Star in 2017, but a 4.25 ERA was not what the Astros expected from the 24-year-old. McCullers can strike batters out and doesn't fall victim to the long ball. He has also dominated the Yankees before, but he's proven to be vulnerable this season. The offense will have some work to do, but it's not impossible for them to get some offense going.
The biggest thing to note about the Yankees lineup is that Gary Sanchez will be the designated hitter while Austin Romine is behind the plate. Many have called for this move to be made, but it should be noted that Romine is nowhere near as valuable as Gary is as a catcher. He's also a far inferior bat to him and whoever else Joe Girardi could have penciled in at DH. Maybe Sanchez needs a half day of rest, but hopefully the Yankees will be ok without him in the field.
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