Championship Series Open Thread

Houston Astros @ New York Yankees

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

5:00 PM EDT

Lance McCullers vs. Sonny Gray

This should be a good one, though both pitchers have been erratic thus far in the postseason. McCullers came in in relief during the Astros series with Boston, giving up two runs in three innings pitched. McCullers made his first All Star appearance this season, but dealt with several nagging injuries that limited his effectiveness as the season wound down.

Gray was also bad in his divisional round matchup with Cleveland, putting up an 8.10 ERA in 3.2 IP. Gray, acquired in a midseason trade with the Althetics, otherwise pitched solidly this season after returning from injury in May.

Through the first two games in Houston, the Astros were able to quiet the potent Yankees lineup, but the Yankees broke out in a big way last night. They’ll look to keep mashing tonight as they try and even the series up.

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Los Angeles Dodgers @ Chicago Cubs

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

9:00 PM EDT

Yu Darvish vs. Kyle Hendricks

Yu Darvish was good in his only postseason appearance, which was the deciding game three in Arizona. He only went five innings in the clincher, but he struck out seven and and allowed only two hits and one run. The Cubs bats have struggled thus far in the Championship Series, and figuring out Darvish will be no easy task.

Hendricks got quite a bit of work in the Divisional series versus Washington, pitching 11 innings of 3.27 ERA ball, striking out 13. Hendricks what as dominant as he was in his 2.13 ERA season ago, but he was still pretty great despite missing mainly all of June and July with injury.

Obviously, a Dodger win tonight would be the figurative foot on the neck of the Cubs. It also could very well not end until we’ve all gone to bed, anyway...