The New York Yankees have the best record in baseball. That will not change anytime soon. On Thursday night, the Bronx Bombers defeated the Astros.
The Astros and Yankees played one of the best games of the 2022 MLB season, at least so far.
After falling behind 6-3 on a Yordan Alvarez 3-run home run, the Yanks answer thanks to an Aaron Hicks blast. Hicks, of all players, was the common denominator on this offense. Yet, he answered the bell, because someone had to at home to make a statement.
Hicks’ home run came after Kyle Tucker made what some assumed would be a game-saving catch for the Astros.
Shortly thereafter, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, got on-base and tried to steal second. Unfortunately, he was called out, but the call was borderline at best.
Yankees-Astros takeaways: Was Isiah Kiner-Falefa robbed?
Kiner-Falefa was called out on a very close stolen base attempt.
Looks somewhat safe to us, but what do I know? Even with replay review, the call was upheld. Nonetheless, the Yanks would get the last laugh.
Yankees-Astros takeaways: Aaron Judge plays hero
Judge recorded the walk-off single in a timely moment, as he has multiple times this season. He’s the AL MVP thus far for a reason.
New York is on fire, and seemingly cannot stay down for more than a day at a time. Winning at their house will take more timely at-bats and, surely, insurance runs. Houston failed at both Thursday night.
Yankees-Astros takeaways: Aaron Judge arbitration hearing is timely
On Friday, Judge and New York will go in front of a judge (ironic, isn’t it?) to determine whether his last two seasons of worth should earn him $17 million or $21 million this coming league year. Odds are, the judge will file in favor of…Judge. He’s been New York’s best player for long stretches. Taking him to court is a risk the Yanks are willing to take, for some reason, when they have tough negotiations to come this offseason with the potential MVP hitting free agency.
On the eve of a walk-off single, expect Judge to get some good news.