The Astros defeated the Yankees 8-3 Thursday night to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the 2019 ALCS. Houston can advance to the World Series with a win at Yankee Stadium Friday night.

On Thursday, the Astros delivered the big hit when the Yankees could not. Twice the Astros delivered three-run homers. Twice the Yankees loaded the bases, and the best they could do was one run on a walk. Neither the Yankees nor the Astros offenses are on fire. The Yankees, however, have a very odd split that fans must find frustrating. They hit .304/.407/.457 with men on base, but just .148/.303/.185 with runners in scoring position. In other words, they are great at advancing a runner from first base into scoring position, but poor delivering that base runner home. Note that the low BA and high OBP means the Yankees are taking their walks with runners in scoring position. The Astros may very well be pitching around batters to get to a weaker hitter. It’s an interesting strategy, especially since Houston did not issue and intentional walk during the regular season. They are willing to pick their spots, just not with IBBs.