The New York Yankees failed to overcome a strong Houston Astros team for one glaring reason — their starting pitching wasn’t good enough. The hitting woes undoubtedly played a part, but too many runs allowed in the first inning of games was the difference, considering Houston’s two walk-off wins.
Pitching is the most crucial part of playoff success, and the Yankees were able to use the ALCS to audition Gerrit Cole for the upcoming free agency period.
Cole, who had a perfect 0.00 ERA against the Yankees, allowed four hits in his one start. In the ALDS, he finished with a 0.