#24. 1938 World Champion New York Yankees v. #26. 2019 AL Champion Houston Astros
The 1939 Yankees were the top overall seed in the tournament, bounced after 2 games. 6 rounds and 7 months later the 1938 Yankees, basically the same team but with Lou Gehrig, are in the World Series.
They face one of the more dominant teams of recent vintage, possibly the best 21st century team that didn't win the World Series, the 2019 Astros, 20-3 in the tournament.
One of these two teams is about to win this whole thing.
Astros 107-57 (Pythag 107-55) Mgr AJ Hinch (5th AL MoY)
1st in AL West
d. Rays 3-2 in ALDS
d. Yankees 4-2 in ALCS (MVP-Jose Altuve)
lost to Nationals 4-3 in World Series
d. #103 1948 Yankees 2-0 (MVP-Michael Brantley)
d. #90 1949 Red Sox 3-0 (MVP-Yuli Gurriel)
d. #122 1999 Braves 3-0 (MVP- Carlos Correa/Josh Reddick)
d. #54 1954 Yankees 4-0 (MVP-Michael Brantley)
d. #98 2017 Dodgers 4-2 (MVP-Michael Brantley/Jose Altuve)
d. #54 1969 Orioles 4-1 (MVP-Carlos Correa)
All-Stars: OF Michael Brantley, 3B Alex Bregman (2nd AL MVP) SP Gerrit Cole (2nd AL Cy Young) RP Ryan Pressly, OF George Springer, SP Justin Verlander (AL Cy Young)
Third straight 100 win season, best record in MLB. Everyone fired in offseason for sign stealing. First team ever to both lead in most pitching Ks and fewest hitting Ks.
Yankees 99-53 (Pythag 97-55) Mgr Joe McCarthy
Won AL Pennant
d. Cubs 4-0 to win World Series
d. #105 1957 Braves 2-0 (MVP-Joe Gordon)
d. #41 2019 Dodgers 3-1 (MVP-Frankie Crosetti/Joe Gordon)
d. #56 2001 Mariners 3-1 (MVP-Joe DiMaggio/Bill Dickey)
d. #40 1995 Indians 4-1 (MVP Joe DiMaggio)
d. #97 1977 Yankees 4-3 (MVP-Spud Chandler/Red Rolfe)
d. #6 1998 Yankees 4-3 (MVP-Joe DiMaggio/Red Rolfe)
All-Stars Bill Dickey (2nd AL MVP) Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Johnny Murphy, Red Rolfe, Red Ruffing (4th AL MVP)
Hall of Fame: Bill Dickey, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Joe Gordon, Red Ruffing, Joe McCarthy
Another Joe McCarthy team, third straight World Championship for the Yankees, it hadn't been done before. They win it again next year. Won the AL by 9.5.
Astros-AJ Hinch
CF Springer (29) 150 6.5
3B Bregman (25) 162 9.2
SS Correa (24) 137 3.3
2B Altuve (29) 131 3.7
1B Gurriel (35) 126 3.8
LF Brantley (32) (LH) 126 3.9
C Chirinos (35) 105 2.8
RF Reddick (32) (LH) 89 1.6
P Verlander (36) 179 7.6
Bench
DH Alvarez (22) (LH) 173 3.8
CF Marisnick (28) 80 1.4
1B White (28) 72
3B Diaz (28) 114
2B Kemp (27) (LH) 88
SS Straw (24) 92
SP Cole (28) 185 7.5
SP3 Miley (32) (LH) 116 1.6
SP4 Greinke (35) 154
Yankees-Joe McCarthy
CF DiMaggio (23) 139 5.9
1B Gehrig (35) (LH) 132 4
C Dickey (31) (LH) 143 5.6
RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120 3.4
2B Gordon (23) 109 3.9
3B Rolfe (29) (LH) 107 4.1
LF Selkirk (30) (LH) 99 1.3
SS Crosetti (27) 89 4.4
P Ruffing (33) 138 6.1
Bench
DH Powell (29) 76
C Glenn (29) 67
2B Knickerbocker (26) 73
LF Hoag (30) 75
SP2 Gomez (29) (LH) 136 4.6
SP3 Chandler (30) 113
P Pearson (29) 115
Lineups:
C-Dickey over Chironis (Yankees 1 Astros 0)
1B-Gehrig over Gurriel (Yankees 2 Astros 0)
2B-Push
SS-Crosetti over Correa (Yankees 3 Astros 0)
3B Bregman over Rolfe (Yankees 3 Astros 1)
LF-Brantley over Selkirk (Yankees 3 Astros 2)
CF-Springer over DiMaggio (Yankees 3 Astros 3)
RF-Henrich over Marisnick/Reddick (Yankees 4 Astros 3)
DH-Alvarez over Powell/Hoag (Yankees 4 Astros 4)
SP1-Verlander over Ruffing (Astros 5 Yankees 4)
SP2-Cole over Gomez (Astros 6 Yankees 4)
SP3-Push
SP4-Greinke over Pearson (Astros 7 Yankees 4)
Pen Astros
WAR: the lineups are even, but Houston's pitching staff just runs all over New York's, the Yanks have home field, the seeding is essentially identical - the Astros have been unstoppable in the tournament and they are favored to close the deal here.
GAME ONE
1st: And here we go. Red Ruffing stands on the Yankee Stadium mound. 33 year old RH, won 21 games this year. Plays until he's 42 and is in the Hall of Fame. Ruffing will retire with 273 wins, 231 as a Yankee for 15 seasons. From 1932-46, Ruffing had an ERA+ over 100 ever year. He died in 1986 at the age of 80. He gives up a leadoff single to George Springer. An out later Carlos Correa singles and Houston's got a first inning threat - but Ruffing keeps them off the board.
1st: Justin Verlander gets the ball for the Astros. 36 year old RH, won 21 games this year. Through 2020, Verlander's a 16 year vet. He's led the AL in Ks five times, including this year. At 36 years old, his career best ERA+ was this year, 179. He led MLB in H/9 this year at 5.5, that's his career low for a full season. Verlander's K/BB rate jumped dramatically in Houston, in 13 seasons in Detroit his best mark never cracked 5 -- in four Houston seasons through 2020, he's never been below 7. Verlander has 226 career wins through 2020 and is on his way to the Hall of Fame. He gets two -- and then Bill Dickey - who had 3 first inning home runs in the last series -- does it again -- Dickey homers to dead center and the Yankees score the first run of the series. Astros 0 Yankees 1
2nd: 1-2-3
2nd: Red Rolfe singles with one out. Rolfe's 29 - his best season is next year when he has a 130 OPS+, leads the AL in doubles, leads MLB in hits. He plays his full 10 year career in New York and will retire with a career .289/.360/.413 slashline. Rolfe dies young, at 60, in 1969. That's all for the Yanks.
3rd: Josh Reddick singles to right center. 32 this year, his best year with the bat looks to be two years prior in 2017, his highest OPS+ (130) the only season he hit .300 (.314) his best ever slugging percentage (.484). He also led all MLB in sacrifices that season. That's all.
3rd: Lou Gehrig singles with 2 out. Gehrig's last game is April of next season, then his famous speech that summer. He's 37 when he dies in 1941. He led the AL in RBI 5 times and in OBP five times - retired 7 homers short of 500. 1934 is maybe his best year with the bat - he won the triple crown, in fact led the entire majors in the triple crown categories. Also OBP/slugging/total bases/OPS and had the best OPS+ of his career at 207. That's it.
4th: Yuli Gurriel singles with 2 out. Gurriel's 35, in his 4th big league season, through 2020, he's spent his whole MLB career in Houston with a career slashline of .287/.324/.468. 2019 is the best year of his career driven by a spike in slugging %. That's it.
4th: Joe Gordon doubles with 1 out. 23 year old rookie; he'll retire as a Hall of Famer after 7 seasons as a Yankee and 4 in Cleveland. 9 time All Star. His big year is coming in '42 - he won the MVP, almost reached the 3/4/5 slashline, .322/.409/.491 (that's almost 60 points north of his career batting average). Gordon died in 1978, at 63. Red Rolfe singles and there are runners on the corners. George Selkirk doubles -- that's going to clear the bases -- 2 runs score and then Frankie Crosetti singles home Selkirk. The Yankees are hitting Verlander here in game one; they are underdogs here - they were underdogs against the '98 Yankees in the last round, but it's 4-0 in game one. Astros 0 Yankees 4
5th: Reddick singles with one out. That's all. Yanks in control of game one.
5th: Tommy Henrich walks with 2 out. Henrich's 25, in his second season. Spends his full 11 season career in pinstripes. His OPS+ cleared 100 every year, his career mark is 132. His top year with the bat is 1948 when he's 35 after his war stint. Led MLB in runs, led AL in triples. career highs in doubles, RBI, batting average, slugging, OPS+. Henrich died in 2009, living until the age of 96. Joe Gordon then doubles Henrich home - the Yanks in clear command today. Astros 0 Yankees 5
6th: Ruffing gets one - then Carlos Correa homers to center. Correa was co-MVP in the third round and MVP for Houston in their pennant win over Baltimore. Correa's 24 and it's already his 5th big league season. Through 2020 his slashline is .276/.353/.480. Astros 1 Yankees 5
6th: Verlander gets 2 - and then Ruffing helps himself with a homer to center. Ruffing hit 3 homers this year and 36 for his career. Ruffing could hit, used as a pinch hitter, had 7 seasons with OPS+ over 100. Astros 1 Yankees 6
7th: 1-2-3
7th: Henrich's hit with 2 outs, that's all.
8th: Yordan Alvarez comes off the bench to hit for Verlander and homers to right. Alvarez is a 22 year old Rookie of the Year. He only played 2 games in 2020, so this is his whole career to date. 2 outs later Correa walks and that's the end of the day for Ruffing. 29 year old RH Johnny Murphy enters, he led the AL in saves 4 times in his 13 season career (12 in pinstripes) this year was his first time accomplishing that. He retires with 107 saves, 93 wins. Died in 1970 at 61 and is buried in the Bronx. Born in New York. High school in New York. Went to Fordham. Played all but his final season in New York. Buried in the Bronx. He ends it. Astros 2 Yankees 6
8th: Will Harris enters for the Astros. 34 year old RH, this is the last of his 5 Houston seasons. Through 2020, Harris has a career ERA+ of 145. This is his best year, 1.50 ERA, 309 ERA+. Rolfe doubles. That's all.
9th: Murphy stays on to finish - walks Michael Brantley with 1 out, but that's all.
Easy game for the Yankees - Dickey homered in the first and they just rolled through game one. Ruffing goes 7+ and homers.
Astros 2
Yankees 6
WP Ruffing
LP Verlander
Gehrig 1x
Dickey 1x/HR
Henrich 2x
Gordon 2x/2doubles
Rolfe 3x/double
Selkirk 1x/double
Crosetti 1x
Springer 1x
Correa 3x/HR
Gurriel 1x
Gurriel 1x
Brantley 1x
Reddick 2x
Alvarez 1x/HR
RF Springer (29) 150 6.5
3B Bregman (25) 162 9.2
SS Correa (24) 137 3.3
2B Altuve (29) 131 3.7
1B Gurriel (35) 126 3.8
LF Brantley (32) (LH) 126 3.9
C Chirinos (35) 105 2.8
CF Marisnick (28) 80 1.4
SP Cole (28) 185 7.5
CF DiMaggio (23) 139 5.9
1B Gehrig (35) (LH) 132 4
C Dickey (31) (LH) 143 5.6
RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120 3.4
2B Gordon (23) 109 3.9
3B Rolfe (29) (LH) 107 4.1
LF Selkirk (30) (LH) 99 1.3
SS Crosetti (27) 89 4.4
SP2 Gomez (29) (LH) 136 4.6
GAME TWO
1st: Houston came in as solid favorites but Game One was an easy Yankee win - Lefty Gomez looks to keep that going today. 29 years old. Hall of Famer. He's on a run of 7 straight All Star games, next year is the last. He spends all 14 years minus the last 4 innings of his MLB career in pinstripes. He led the AL in Ks three times in his career; the last time was last season and that was probably his best. In '37, Gomez led the AL in wins, FIP, K/9 and K/BB and led all MLB in ERA, shutouts, Ks, ERA+, H/9. George Springer singles and swipes second and scores on an Alex Bregman base hit. Houston comes out immediately and plates a run. Astros 1 Yankees 0
1st: 80+ years from now, Gerrit Cole will be in pinstripes on the Yankee Stadium mound, but he's the enemy here, looking to even up this series. 28 year old RH. This is his second and last year in Houston after 5 in Pittsburgh. To date, it's his best season. 2nd in the Cy Young, 10th in the MVP. Led MLB in K/9, K and ERA+. Led AL in ERA and FIP, it's the only 20 win season of his career to date. Gehrig singles with 1 out. After the second out Tommy Henrich bombs a two run homer to left -- the Yankees - the Yankees are not interested in hearing that they are underdogs, they homered in the first in game one and do it again here. Astros 1 Yankees 2
2nd: 1-2-3
2nd: Red Rolfe singles. That's all.
3rd: 1-2-3, 9 straight for Gomez
3rd: Bill Dickey walks with 2 out - Dickey's 31, he's in a 9 season stretch of All Star appearances, interrupted only by military service. 1936-39 is the heart of his career, 4 top 6 MVP finishes, only 4 years of his career with 20+ homers, only 4 years of his career with 100+ RBI. Only 4 years of his career with an OPS over .900. Career slashline, after 17 seasons, all behind the plate for the Yankees, .313/.382/.486. Dickey's in the Hall of Fame. Died in '93 at the age of 86. Tommy Henrich then drives in his third run of the day with a double - Dickey rumbles all the way from first and it's Astros 1 Yankees 3
4th: Carlos Correa walks. Two Yankee errors and a wild pitch later and he's crossing the plate - Houston gets a gift. Jake Marisnick singles but that's all the damage. Astros 2 Yankees 3
4th: George Selkirk walks with 1 out. The Canadian left fielder is 30, plays his entire 9 year career in pinstripes. This is not a great season, plays in fewer than a hundred games, his OPS+ the year before was 156 and next year it will be 148 -- but this year it's just 99 and you won't see him in the game 3 lineup against a lefty. He dies in 1987, age 79. That's all.
5th: Correa singles with 2 out -- and he's going to come around to score the tying run on an Jose Altuve double. Altuve's 29, through 2020 he's had a decade long career all in Houston. 2016-17 might turn out to be his high water mark. Led the AL in hits and batting average both seasons, 3rd in the MVP in '16 and won it in '17. 155 and 160 OPS+. His current career slashline is .311/.361/.458. Astros 3 Yankees 3
5th: After an out, Gehrig and Dickey single back to back and Henrich walks. Yankees have the bases loaded. Cole gets the second out -- but Rolfe hits a 2 run single and the Yankees, relentless so far against this top level Astros pitching, go back in front. Astros 3 Yankees 5
6th: Michael Brantley's aboard on an error. The left fielder is 32, spent a decade in Clevelannd and this is his first year as an Astro. 2014 looks to be his career year, career best marks in BA/OBP/SLG. His current career slashline is .297/.354/.440. Chirinos follows with a double and the Astros are in business. Gomez gets one and then Hinch goes to the bench - Yordan Alvarez will be the DH in Houston, in game one he pinch homered - and he hits a blast here that Joe DiMaggio miraculously catches, saving extra bases - but it scores a run, Astros 4 Yankees 5
6th: Will Harris comes on, Hinch going to rely on his pen the rest of the way. Frankie Crosetti singles. 27 years old now, he spends his entire 17 year career in pinstripes. Died at the age of 91 in 2002. Part of the San Francisco crew on this club with Gomez and DiMaggio. 2 outs later he's at second base and scores on a Gehrig single. Astros 4 Yankees 6
7th: Johnny Murphy takes the ball for McCarthy. He gets an out then walks Correa/Altuve. But that's all.
7th: Hector Rondon takes the ball for Houston, he's 31, RH, in his second and last year in Houston. 2015 was his big year as the Cubs closer, 30 saves and a 1.67 ERA. He gets one -- and there's Henrich again -- his second homer of the day - this one to the right field corner, Henrich blasted 22 this year, 2 today and the Yanks are 6 outs from heading to Houston having beaten both Verlander and Cole. Rondon gets one and then Rolfe singles -- and Selkirk probably wraps this game up with a homer to right center! It is jubilation in Yankee Stadium - they were 2 outs from elimination in the prior round - solid underdogs against this Astros juggernaut -- but they have come out with some old man strength and just whupped this Astro pitching. Astros 4 Yankees 9
8th: Ivy Andrews now for New York. 31 year old RH. Andrews broke in with the Yanks in '31, moved on to Red Sox, Browns, Indians, came back to New York last year and this is his final year in the bigs. He goes out on a high note, career best ERA, career best ERA+, Andrews dies in 1970, age 63. Marisnick singles with one away, he's at second after the second out and scores on a Springer single. Astros 5 Yankees 9
8th: Ryan Pressly for the Astros. 30 year old RH, made his only All Star team this year, although last year (only in 23 innings pitched) he had a 0.77 ERA. Pressly's had a really strong bullpen career - in 8 seasons he's never started a game, and never closed until 2020 when he had a dozen saves in the short season. Gehrig walks with one out and thats all.
9th: Joe Beggs to finish the game. 27 year old rookie RH, this is his only Yankee campaign. He will spend most of his career in Cincinnati and has some strong years during the war, from '42-46 his ERA is always below 2.50. Beggs dies in 1983 at 72. Altuve singles with one out but that's the end.
Houston just kicked everyone's ass for 6 rounds - and they've gotten slapped around the first two games of the series, but now they head home and look to regroup.
Astros 5
Yankees 9
WP Gomez
LP Cole
Gehrig 5x
Dickey 3x/HR
Henrich 6x/2 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI
Gordon 2x/2doubles
Rolfe 6x/double
Selkirk 3x/double, HR
Crosetti 2x
Springer 3x
Correa 6x/HR
Gurriel 1x
Gurriel 1x
Brantley 1x
Reddick 2x
Alvarez 1x/HR
Bregman 1x
Altuve 3x/double
Chirinos 1x/double
Marisnick 2x
CF DiMaggio (23) 139 5.9
1B Gehrig (35) (LH) 132 4
C Dickey (31) (LH) 143 5.6
RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120 3.4
2B Gordon (23) 109 3.9
3B Rolfe (29) (LH) 107 4.1
SS Crosetti (27) 89 4.4
DH Powell (29) 76
LF Hoag (30) 75
SP3 Chandler (30) 113
CF Springer (29) 150 6.5
3B Bregman (25) 162 9.2
DH Alvarez (22) (LH) 173 3.8
SS Correa (24) 137 3.3
2B Altuve (29) 131 3.7
1B Gurriel (35) 126 3.8
LF Brantley (32) (LH) 126 3.9
C Chirinos (35) 105 2.8
RF Reddick (32) (LH) 89 1.6
SP3 Miley (32) (LH) 116 1.6
GAME THREE
1st: Minute Maid Park, the Astros have run through six rounds without breathing hard and now their backs are right up against the wall, Wade Miley in a virtual must win. 32 year old lefty in his only season in Houston. Through 2020, Miley's had a ten year career and played for 7 clubs. 2018 with Milwaukee is the clear standout. 2.57 ERA. His career ERA plus has now dropped below 100. He gets two, then walks Dickey, Henrich had the huge game 2 and he singles. That's all.
1st: Spud Chandler has a two game to none lead as he stands on the mound in Houston. 30 year old RH. Spent his full 11 year career with the Yankees. He's 5 years from his MVP season, in '43 Chandler won 20 with a 1.64 ERA. Chandler was 82 when he died in 1990. 1-2-3
2nd: Red Rolfe singles. Frankie Crosetti singles. Miley escapes.
2nd: Carlos Correa walks. That's it.
3rd: 1-2-3
3rd: 1-2-3, Chandler's yet to allow a hit.
4th: Henrich stays hot, another single. 2 outs later Crosetti has another single and that's it.
4th: Alex Bregman homers to left - Houston's on the board and these Astro fans are roaring. Yordan Alvarez reaches on an error, Correa walks, Altuve doubles home a run and a Gurriel groundout plates another. After the second out Chirinos singles home one more - big inning for the Astros. Yankees 0 Astros 4
5th: With two outs Gehrig walks and Dickey singles and thats it.
5th: Chandler gets two and then Yordan Alvarez hits his second homer of the series - Houston's rolling in game 3. Yankees 0 Astros 5
6th: Collin McHugh takes over for Miley; Hinch turning the game over to the pen, even with the shutout. 32 year old RH. McHugh didn't pitch in the bigs in 2020 and was just okay in 2019 - he was terrific back in 2018, a 1.99 ERA in 72 innings. 1-2-3
6th: Altuve singles. Gurriel singles. Brantley singles and now it's 6-0. This one is out of hand and it's time to start thinking about game 4. Yankees 0 Astros 6
7th: 1-2-3
7th: Wes Ferrell for the Yanks. Ferrell's ERA is over 8, this is a white flag move. 30 year old RH, he had several strong years with the Indians and Red Sox, he won 25 games with Boston in '35 and finished 2nd in the MVP. Ferrell died in 1976, he was 68. Bregman singles with one out. That's all.
8th: McHugh stays on for the third inning - Gehrig walks, 2 outs later Gordon walks - Rolfe doubles both of them home and that brings on Will Harris, pitching in each game of the series. He walks Crosetti AND THEN JAKE POWELL HITS A 3 RUN HOMER AND THE YANKEES ARE RIGHT BACK IN THE GAME! Jake Powell hit 2 homers all season - but with 2 outs here he hits a 3 run jack that just falls over the left field wall and out of nowhere the Yankees trail just 6-5! Yankees 5 Astros 6
8th: Johnny Murphy on for New York, the crowd still in shock. After an out he walks Gurriel and Brantley, but that's all and we go to the 9th.
9th: Roberto Osuna for Houston. 24 year old RH closer. Led the AL in saves this year.
Joe DiMaggio -- HOMERS TO RIGHT CENTER! DiMaggio had been hitless - just hadn't gotten on track at all in this series - but just as he did against Rivera in the pennant clincher - DiMaggio homers in the 9th to tie this score. Yankees 6 Astros 6
9th: Ivy Andrews now for the Yankees.
Reddick flies to right.
Springer singles.
Bregman walks -- and the winning run is in scoring position; the Astros have blown a 6-0 lead, can they still find a way to take this game?
Alvarez grounds to short - flip to Gordon for one -- onto first --- safe.
That leaves men on the corners and 2 out. Winning run standing at third - crowd on its feet -
CARLOS CORREA HITS A BOMB - DEEP TO CENTER FIELD - A 3 RUN GAME WINNING----NO! JOE DIMAGGIO FULLY EXTENDS OVER THE CENTER FIELD WALL TO MAKE AN ALL TIME CATCH - BRINGING BACK A HOME RUN AND THE GAME REMAINS TIED!
The great DiMaggio homered in the top of the 9th and made a game saving catch in the bottom of the 9th and we head to the 10th.
10th: Osuna stays on, Joe Gordon singles. Rolfe flies to left. Crosetti strikes out on a hit and run - Gordon though it safe at second, that puts the go ahead run in scoring position for the Yanks with Powell coming to the plate after hitting that 3 run jack in the 8th. Hector Rondon gets the call from Hinch. Powell grounds to third to end it.
10th: Joe Beggs is the new Yankee pitcher. 1-2-3
11th: The Astros lose game 1-2, come home, blow a 6-0 lead - then have DiMaggio pull back a walk off home run over the center field wall and we're in the 11th. New York is looking for the kill shot. Rondon stays on and gives up a base hit to Myril Hoag. DiMaggio grounds to second - flip to short for one -- onto first - DiMaggio beats it out. Gehrig walks.
That gives the Yanks 2 on, 1 out. Bill Dickey and Tommy Henrich coming to the plate.
Dickey grounds to Altuve - flip to short -- onto first --- double play to end the inning.
11th: Beggs stays on. Chirinos singles. Reddick foul pop...Gehrig tumbles into the dugout to make a helluva play. Springer flies harmlessly to left. Bregman grounds to third -- Rolfe throws to first. And we head to the 12th.
12th: Ryan Pressly now for the Astros. Their 7th inning of relief - Hinch went to the pen early and now they just have to grit it out. Henrich singles. Gordon grounds to short -- flip to second for one - onto first...safe. Pressly hits Rolfe and here we go.
2 on. 1 out. Once again the Yanks have action.
Crosetti grounds to short - flip to second for one -- no play at first.
Runners on the corners. 2 out. Powell flies to right -- Reddick's got it.
12th: 28 year old RH Steve Sundra is the last Yankee reliever, if the game goes past him expect to see the 5th starter, Bump Hadley. Yup, other than Gomez, everyone on the Yankee staff is RH. Sundra walks Alvarez. Sundra walks Correa.
2 on, nobody out -- the Houston crowd is up and roaring - winning run in scoring position.
ALTUVE BOUNCES A SINGLE TO LEFT CENTER - ALVAREZ COMING AROUND THIRD -- HOAG'S THROW HOME....IS LATE! THE ASTROS TAKE GAME 3!
Yankees 6
Astros 7
WP Pressly
LP Sundra
It took a few innings longer than it looked like for much of the game - but in the end, it is the Astros, they take game 3 and are now a game away from tying this thing up.
Springer 4x
Correa 9x/HR
Gurriel 3x
Gurriel 3x
Brantley 3x
Reddick 2x
Alvarez 3x/2HR, 3 game 3 runs scored
Bregman 4x/HR
Altuve 6x/2double
Chirinos 3x/double
Marisnick 2x
Gehrig 8x
Dickey 5x/HR
Henrich 9x/2 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI
Gordon 4x/2doubles
Rolfe 9x/2double
Selkirk 3x/double, HR
Crosetti 5x
DiMaggio 1x/HR
Powell 1x/HR, 3 game 3 RBI
Hoag 1x
CF DiMaggio (23) 139 5.9
1B Gehrig (35) (LH) 132 4
C Dickey (31) (LH) 143 5.6
RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120 3.4
2B Gordon (23) 109 3.9
3B Rolfe (29) (LH) 107 4.1
LF Selkirk (30) (LH) 99 1.3
SS Crosetti (27) 89 4.4
DH Powell (29) 76
P Pearson (29) 115
CF Springer (29) 150 6.5
3B Bregman (25) 162 9.2
DH Alvarez (22) (LH) 173 3.8
SS Correa (24) 137 3.3
2B Altuve (29) 131 3.7
1B Gurriel (35) 126 3.8
LF Brantley (32) (LH) 126 3.9
C Chirinos (35) 105 2.8
RF Reddick (32) (LH) 89 1.6
SP4 Greinke (35) 154
GAME FOUR
1st: Nothing but home team wins in the first 3 games of the World Series - Zack Greinke looks to continue that trend for the Astros today. 35 year old RH. Greinke's 2015 in LA was maybe his best ever season - second in the Cy Young (he won it in '09) 19-3, 1.66, led MLB in ERA+ and WHIP. Through 2020, Greinke has 208 wins. He gets one and then Lou Gehrig launches a monster shot to right field In his last full season - Gehrig hits an absolute rocket to put the Yanks on top. Dickey singles and after the second out he scores on a Joe Gordon double. Rolfe singles, that's it. Yanks off and running. Yankees 2 Astros 0
1st: Monte Pearson handed that early lead. 29 year old RH. Another Yankee from Northern California. He will retire with exactly 100 wins and exactly a 4.00 ERA. He dies in '78 at the age of 69. Alex Bregman doubles with one out, after the second out Carlos Correa singles him home. Jose Altuve walks and then Yuli Gurriel hits a 3 run homer that just drops over the wall in left center - Houston has scored 4 in the first and this sold out crowd loves it. Yankees 2 Astros 4
2nd: 1-2-3
2nd: Robinson Chirinos doubles. He and Gurriel are both 35, this is the only season he spends in Houston. Reddick then reaches on an error and Houston has men on the corners. After an out, Bregman singles, scoring the Astros 5th run. Yankees 2 Astros 5
3rd: Greinke gets 2 and then Tommy Henrich hits his third homer of the series to get a run back for the Yanks. Gordon singles, that's all. Yankees 3 Astros 5
3rd: Gurriel singles with one out and Brantley sends him to third with a base hit. Pearson really getting hit today. After the second out Reddick singles, it scores a run and chases Pearson. Wes Ferrell on for McCarthy. Yankees 3 Astros 6
4th: Jake Powell doubles with 2 out and that's all.
4th: Yordan Alvarez hits a one out homer to right center -- now this is the Houston team we've seen the entire tournament, just battering the opposition into submission. Correa singles and that's it for Ferrell, Steve Sundra comes on. He gets the second, then Gurriel singles, his third hit of the day, that's all. Yankees 3 Astros 7
5th: Dickey walks with 1 out. That's all.
5th: Reddick walks with 1 out. Springer singles. Bregman singles and the Astros have another run. Yankees 3 Astros 8
6th: Selkirk singles with 1 out. That's it.
6th: Gurriel singles with one out. 4 hits on the day. After the second, Chirinos walks. And then Reddick doubles both home -- that's 10 - the Astros are about to tie this series. Joe Beggs comes on - Springer singles and that's it. Yankees 3 Astros 10
7th: Greinke's done, Hinch will get the next 9 from the pen. Joe Smith is first. DiMaggio greets him with a double. An out later he scores on a Dickey base hit. Quick hook from Hinch, Will Harris is on again. That's it. Yankees 4 Astros 10
7th: Alvarez doubles. Correa doubles. That's 11. Johnny Murphy is on again for McCarthy. That's all. Yankees 4 Astros 11
8th: Rolfe singles. That's it.
8th: Reddick doubles with one out. That's it.
9th: Jose Urquidy is a 24 year old RH, this could be his tourney debut. 3.95 ERA in 41 innings. DiMaggio singles. An out later Dickey singles, Henrich singles to score a run. After the second out Rolfe singles for another. Selkirk then singles for a third - this deficit is too great, but New York is making a run. Hinch can't wait any longer - Roberto Osuna is brought on and he ends it.
19 Astros hits gives them game 4 -- we have one more in Houston, all tied at 2.
Yankees 7
Astros 11
WP Greinke
LP Pearson
Springer 6x
Correa 12x/HR, double
Gurriel 7x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI
Gurriel 7x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI
Brantley 4x
Reddick 5x/2 double, 3gm4 RBI
Alvarez 5x/3HR, double 3 game 3 runs scored
Bregman 7x/HR, double
Altuve 7x/2double
Chirinos 5x/3double
Marisnick 2x
Gehrig 9x/HR
Dickey 8x/HR
Henrich 11x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI
Gordon 6x/3doubles
Rolfe 12x/2double
Selkirk 5x/double, HR
Crosetti 5x
DiMaggio 3x/HR, double
Powell 2x/HR, double 3 game 3 RBI
Hoag 1x
CF DiMaggio (23) 139 5.9
1B Gehrig (35) (LH) 132 4
C Dickey (31) (LH) 143 5.6
RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120 3.4
2B Gordon (23) 109 3.9
3B Rolfe (29) (LH) 107 4.1
LF Selkirk (30) (LH) 99 1.3
SS Crosetti (27) 89 4.4
DH Powell (29) 76
P Ruffing (33) 138 6.1
CF Springer (29) 150 6.5
3B Bregman (25) 162 9.2
DH Alvarez (22) (LH) 173 3.8
SS Correa (24) 137 3.3
2B Altuve (29) 131 3.7
1B Gurriel (35) 126 3.8
LF Brantley (32) (LH) 126 3.9
C Chirinos (35) 105 2.8
RF Reddick (32) (LH) 89 1.6
P Verlander (36) 179 7.6
GAME FIVE
1st: Final game of the tournament in Houston, final game anywhere outside of the Bronx. Biggest game yet - from 128 teams down to 2 and we're all deadlocked as we reach game 5. Justin Verlander for the Astros. He gets one and then The Iron Horse - 35 year old Lou Gehrig, almost literally on his last legs - triples - after the second out it's Tommy Henrich who singles to send him home. Gehrig's now reached 10 times/Henrich 12. Yankees 1 Astros 0
1st: Red Ruffing pitched for the Yankees for 15 years and this is his final outing. He gets one and then Alex Bregman singles. Yordan Alvarez walks, he and Henrich each have 3 homers. Ruffing gets through it.
2nd: 1-2-3
2nd: Yuli Gurriel reaches via error, an out later Robinson Chirinos singles. Again, Ruffing escapes.
3rd: After an out -- it's Gehrig - he bombs a homer deep into the right field stands - a moon rocket by Gehrig who has tripled and homered here in game 5 - the legendary Gehrig powering the Yankees in the crucial game 5. Yankees 2 Astros 0
3rd: Yordan Alvarez walks with 2 out. Ruffing then loses Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve singles home a run. Yankees 2 Astros 1
4th: Rolfe hits a 1 out single. Thats it.
4th: Brantley walks. That's it.
5th: Joe DiMaggio singles with one out. The Yankee Clipper is 23 - why was the 1939 team seeded #1 overall? One reason is DiMaggio hit .381 and won the MVP. DiMaggio has a 189 OPS+ next year, that will be his career high. After 13 seasons, he retires with this slashline; .325/.398/.579. That's all.
5th: 1-2-3, Ruffing's allowed just 3 hits.
6th: 1-2-3
6th: Altuve walks. An out later Brantley doubles and Houston's got 2 in scoring position, trailing by a run. Big, big, big spot here. Ruffing gets the next 2 and we head to the 7th, Yanks clinging to the 2-1 lead.
7th: Selkirk singles. But that's all.
7th: Can the Yankees find 9 more outs to get back home needing just a win to take this whole thing? Bregman singles with one out and then Ruffing hits Alvarez. Once again - 2 on and one out, that's the story of the day for the Astros. Ruffing gets the second out -- AND JOSE ALTUVE HITS A 3 RUN HOMER TO RIGHT! Glee - Just Absolute Glee in Minute Maid - Glee in the Astros dugout - Jose Altuve puts the Astros in front with a 3 run home run with 2 outs in the 7th inning. Ruffing is gone, Johnny Murphy enters, the innings ends. Yankees 2 Astros 4
8th: Verlander now - just 6 outs away from giving his team the 3-2 lead, he gets one and then gives up a Gehrig base hit. Gehrig a double away from a cycle. An out later Henrich walks - 2 on, 2 out -- but Verlander gets out of it and Houston's 3 outs from the 3-2 lead.
8th: Reddick singles with 2 out, Springer follows with a single - Murphy gets out of it.
9th: Roberto Osuna comes on for Verlander.
Rolfe flies to center.
Selkirk grounds to first.
Crosetti grounds to short - Correa to first. Ballgame.
Jose Altuve hits a 3 run home run with 2 outs in the 7th, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead; it's now a 4-2 win and the Astros sweep all 3 at home to take a 3-2 series lead.
Yankees 2
Astros 4
WP Verlander
LP Ruffing
Sv Osuna
Springer 7x
Correa 13x/HR, double
Gurriel 7x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI
Gurriel 7x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI
Brantley 6x/double
Reddick 6x/2 double, 3gm4 RBI
Alvarez 8x/3HR, double 3 game 3 runs scored
Bregman 9x/HR, double
Altuve 10x/2double, HR, 4 game 5 RBI
Chirinos 6x/3double
Marisnick 2x
Gehrig 12x/2HR, triple
Dickey 8x/HR
Henrich 13x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI
Gordon 6x/3doubles
Rolfe 13x/2double
Selkirk 6x/double, HR
Crosetti 5x
DiMaggio 4x/HR, double
Powell 2x/HR, double 3 game 3 RBI
Hoag 1x
RF Springer (29) 150 6.5
3B Bregman (25) 162 9.2
SS Correa (24) 137 3.3
2B Altuve (29) 131 3.7
1B Gurriel (35) 126 3.8
LF Brantley (32) (LH) 126 3.9
C Chirinos (35) 105 2.8
CF Marisnick (28) 80 1.4
SP Cole (28) 185 7.5
CF DiMaggio (23) 139 5.9
1B Gehrig (35) (LH) 132 4
C Dickey (31) (LH) 143 5.6
RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120 3.4
2B Gordon (23) 109 3.9
3B Rolfe (29) (LH) 107 4.1
LF Selkirk (30) (LH) 99 1.3
SS Crosetti (27) 89 4.4
SP2 Gomez (29) (LH) 136 4.6
GAME SIX
1st: Is this the final game of the tournament? Or will it all end in a Game 7? Lefty Gomez and a sold out Yankee Stadium hopes its the latter. Bregman walks with one out, he's reached base 10 times - but that's all Gomez allows and he strikes out 2.
1st: Gerrit Cole stands on a very, very hostile mound today. 27 outs from the World Championship that eluded this 2019 Astros squad. Cole strikes out DiMaggio and Gehrig to begin the game and then Dickey singles. 9 times aboard for the Yankee catcher. It ends here.
2nd: Michael Brantley singles with one out. That's all.
2nd: 1-2-3, Cole strikes out Gordon and Selkirk.
3rd: Bregman again draws a walk, this time with 2 out, but Gomez is safely through 3.
3rd: Cole hits Crosetti, who pretty clearly made no effort to avoid that one. Gomez bunts him over and the Yanks have a man in scoring position with their two legends coming to the plate. Again - Cole strikes out DiMaggio and Gehrig back to back -- Wow, wow, wow -- Cole has 6 Ks through 3.
4th: Gurriel singles with one out. Gomez strands him.
4th: Joe Gordon stakes a 2 out double; first extra base hit of the day - Gordon's 4th double of the series and the Yanks again have a man in scoring position in this elimination game 6. This time they come through - Red Rolfe singles to right -- Gordon comes around to score - Rolfe has reached 14 times to lead both squads and its New York who dents the plate first. Selkirk walks - 2 more on - but Cole gets his 7th K to end it.
5th: 1-2-3 -- as strong as Cole has been, Gomez is right there with him.
5th: Gehrig singles with 2 out. 13 times on base for Gehrig. Dickey follows with a base hit that sends Gehrig to third and there are men on the corners. Cole strikes out Henrich, 8 Ks and we go to the 6th.
6th: Bregman walks again. Correa singles. Altuve walks and here we go. Gomez in the jackpot now - bases loaded - nobody out - Yanks up 1-0 in a game they must win.
Yankee infield in.
Gurriel rocks a hard ground ball -- right at Rolfe -- he throws to the plate for one -- onto first- DOUBLE PLAY! A 5-2-3 Double play -- just a great play by both Rolfe to cleanly field a scorching ground ball and then Dickey to whip the ball over to first to get Gurriel.
Brantley walks.
Bases loaded again. 2 out.
Chirinos hot ground ball -- full dive by Crosetti - he's up - onto first -- GOT HIM!
That's the big spot in the series -- the big spot in the tournament - Lefty Gomez gets great plays from Rolfe and Crosetti - and he slips out of a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 6th inning to hold on to the 1-0 lead.
6th: Rolfe doubles with one out. Rolfe has the only RBI of the day - made a helluva defensive play in the top of the inning - and now is in scoring position. Selkirk walks and then a Chirinos passed ball moves everyone up a base and now New York has 2 in scoring position with 1 away. But Cole gets through it, getting his 9th K.
7th: McCarthy goes to the pen. Johnny Murphy one more time. He gets one then walks Yordan Alvarez, hitting for Cole. Murphy gets the next 2 and the Yanks are 6 outs away now from forcing a game 7.
7th: Will Harris on for Houston. 1-2-3
8th: Just 3 Astro hits today. Gurriel walks with one away -- but that's all and now the Yanks are 3 outs from forcing game 7.
8th: Harris gets one, then Gordon singles and Rolfe walks. Can the Yanks add an insurance run? Hector Rondon comes on for Houston -- and Selkirk singles home a run! Selkirk singles home Gordon and now it's 2-0 Yankees! Crosetti flies to left -- that's plenty to score Rolfe, it's 3-0 New York. Bill Knickerbocker comes off the bench for McCarthy to hit for Murphy, 26 year old RH bat -- he singles -- that's all - but the Yanks get some breathing room. Astros 0 Yankees 3
9th: Ivy Andrews is on, 3 outs from forcing game 7.
Every man, woman, child in New York City on their feet.
Marisnick flies to center.
Kyle Tucker's got a left handed bat and he comes off the bench - flies to center.
Springer grounds to Crosetti - routine throw to first -- ballgame.
The Yankees do it. 3 pitches combine on a 3 hit shutout and - the tournament will end in the only way it could have ended -- Game Seven at Yankee Stadium.
Astros 0
Yankees 3
WP Gomez
LP Cole
Sv Andrews
Gehrig 13x/2HR, triple
Dickey 10x/HR
Henrich 13x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI
Gordon 8x/4doubles
Rolfe 16x/3double
Selkirk 9x/double, HR
Crosetti 5x
DiMaggio 4x/HR, double
Powell 2x/HR, double 3 game 3 RBI
Hoag 1x
Springer 7x
Correa 14x/HR, double
Gurriel 9x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI
Gurriel 9x/HR, 3 gm 4 RBI
Brantley 8x/double
Reddick 6x/2 double, 3gm4 RBI
Alvarez 9x/3HR, double 3 game 3 runs scored
Bregman 12x/HR, double
Altuve 11x/2double, HR, 4 game 5 RBI
Chirinos 6x/3double
Marisnick 2x
CF Springer (29) 150 6.5
3B Bregman (25) 162 9.2
SS Correa (24) 137 3.3
2B Altuve (29) 131 3.7
1B Gurriel (35) 126 3.8
LF Brantley (32) (LH) 126 3.9
C Chirinos (35) 105 2.8
RF Reddick (32) (LH) 89 1.6
SP3 Miley (32) (LH) 116 1.6
CF DiMaggio (23) 139 5.9
1B Gehrig (35) (LH) 132 4
C Dickey (31) (LH) 143 5.6
RF Henrich (25) (LH) 120 3.4
2B Gordon (23) 109 3.9
3B Rolfe (29) (LH) 107 4.1
SS Crosetti (27) 89 4.4
LF Selkirk (30) (LH) 99 1.3
SP3 Hadley (33) 127
GAME SEVEN
1st: It all comes down to this. Could it have ended any other way?
Joe McCarthy pulls a surprise in the final game of the World Series - the Yankees go with their 5th starter, Bump Hadley, 33 year old RH, 9-8, 3.60. 16 year big leaguer, career record under .500. Just 58 years old when he died in '63. "Just a hunch" McCarthy said when asked about the decision. In the first - it looks like maybe it's error as Alex Bregman hits a 1 out homer. Bregman hits his 2nd home run of the series and Houston jumps on top. Astros 1 Yankees 0
1st: Wade Miley for the Astros. He walks Gehrig with one out, that's 14 times on base for Gehrig. That's it.
2nd: Robinson Chirinos singles with 2 out, that's all.
2nd: 1-2-3
3rd: 1-2-3
3rd: George Selkirk walks - Hadley bunts him over and the tying run is in scoring position. The Great DiMaggio has largely struggled in the series - reaching base just 4 times, but in this spot - he puts New York in front with a majestic home run to right center -- DiMaggio sets this place on fire with a 2 run homer that gives the Yanks the lead. Gehrig follows with a single - 15 times on base for Gehrig. After the second out Tommy Henrich singles, 14 times on base for the right fielder. Miley escapes further damage. Astros 1 Yankees 2
4th: 1-2-3, Hadley sets down 7 straight.
4th: Miley gets one -- and then Frankie Crosetti homers to left. 9 home runs all season - but the Yankee shortstop catches one here and now it's 3-1. Astros 1 Yankees 3
5th: Chirinos singles with one away -- but that's all Hadley allows - huge, huge roar as he comes off the mound by this sold out crowd - Bump Hadley has come out of the bullpen to start game 5 and he is through 5 innings.
5th: Miley gets one -- and then Lou Gehrig bombs a homer into the deepest part of the right field stands - that might be a 500 foot shot -- Gehrig is at the end of his career - near the end of his life -- and he his his 3rd home run of the series - the applause deafens as he reaches home plate -- Gehrig gives the Yankees the 4-1 lead, he and DiMaggio both homering in the final game of the tournament. Astros 1 Yankees 4
6th: Bregman singles with one out and Altuve singles with 2 out. But again Hadley escapes - and now the Yankees are 9 outs from the title - Bump Hadley is shutting down the vaunted Houston Astros.
6th: Gordon singles - that's it. We head to the 7th inning - Game Seven of the World Series to end this tournament.
7th: Astros need to get going. Michael Brantley singles.
Chirinos strikes out.
Reddick walks. Astros have two on now and just one away. Action in the Yankee pen.
Yordan Alvarez comes off the bench to hit for Miley - he's got 3 homers in the series and only started 3 games. He's the potential tying run. Big - big - big spot.
He lines hard - a bullet - but Gehrig fully extends to snare the ball before it goes into right field. Helluva play by the 35 year old first baseman. And now there are 2 out.
Springer grounds to short - routine for Crosetti -- Bump Hadley allows just 1 run through 7 innings and New York is 6 outs from the Championship and the crowd roars - roars its approval.
7th: Will Harris on for Houston McCarthy sends Hadley to the plate -- but then removes him for Myril Hoag, a pinch hitter - allowing Hadley to accept the deafening applause from this crowd - Yankee fans across the generations, from Ruth to Rivera, from Mantle to LeMahieu - rising as one in appreciation for Bump Hadley's big game 7 performance.
Hoag grounds to short.
DiMaggio, maybe his final plate appearance, grounds to short.
AND THEN GEHRIG DOES IT AGAIN. Lou Gehrig - Lou Gehrig will be dead in 3 years - Lou Gehrig hits his second homer of the day - a blast to dead center field -- grown men are weeping - fully sobbing as Gehrig crosses the plate - the New York Yankees extend their lead.
Dickey walks.
Henrich reaches via error.
Gordon singles - all of this with 2 outs, the bases are loaded. Hector Rondon comes on for Houston, you have to think even one more run puts this one on ice. RED ROLFE SINGLES TO RIGHT CENTER -- DICKEY WILL SCORE -- -- HENRICH WILL SCORE----the Yankees go up 7-1 here in the 7th inning - the Yankees now running away with Game 7 of the World Series. Crosetti flies to center - this one sure looks over. Astros 1 Yankees 7
8th: Wes Ferrell for the Yanks - the first pitch is a Bregman single and the second pitch is a Correa homer that cuts the deficit to 7-3. Ferrell's gone - Johnny Murphy comes on and its his job to get these last 6 outs.
Altuve flies to left.
Gurriel grounds to first.
Brantley grounds to second. The Yankees are 3 outs from the title. Astros 3 Yankees 7
8th: Rondon stays on.
Selkirk strikes out.
Murphy hits for himself and he grounds to short.
DiMaggio grounds to short.
9th: Johnny Murphy comes back out to the mound. 29 year old RH. Born in New York. High school in the Bronx. Went to Fordham. 12 of his 13 big league seasons in pinstripes. Buried in the Bronx at the same cemetary as Herman Melville, Irving Berlin and Miles Davis. And he is on to get these last 3 outs.
Chirinos grounds to short. Crosetti to first. One away.
Reddick flies to right. Henrich's got it. Two away.
Kyle Tucker, 22 years old - off the bench to hit.
Tucker grounds to second. Gordon up - Gordon to first -- Gehrig has it and it's over.
THE 1938 NEW YORK YANKEES ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD!!
Jubilation at Yankee Stadium - the New York Yankees take games 6 and 7 at home and upset the Houston Astros to win the tournament - to win the ultimate World Series.
Astros 4
Yankees 7
WP Hadley
LP Miley
Sv Murphy
Bump Hadley - huge hero today; the Yankee fifth starter gets the call and comes up big - DiMaggio homered today and Lou Gehrig homered twice.
Gehrig 17x/4HR, triple
Dickey 11x/HR
Henrich 14x/3 HR, double, 4 game 2 RBI
Gordon 10x/4doubles
Rolfe 17x/3double
Selkirk 10x/double, HR
There's only one choice for MVP - Lou Gehrig is the greatest first baseman of all time and in one final great moment, he reaches base 17 times in the series, with 4 homers including 2 in Game Seven. The tournament comes to a close with Lou Gehrig leading the 1938 New York Yankees to the World Championship!
