Yankees Lose to Astros 7-4 As They Fall Behind Early Due To Luis Gil’s Rough Start
The Yankees and Astros played the third and final game of their three-game series in Houston. In this game, they lost 7-4. They were in just too big a hole. Starting pitcher Luis Gil gave up two-run home runs in both the first and the third innings. He is a mystery, and may not be long for the Yankees’ starting rotation, if he keeps this up.
Today was Aaron Judge’s 34th birthday. He usually hits well on his birthday, but that was not the case today. The Yanks better start winning the World Series. Judge is not getting any younger, and time is undefeated.
The concept of peak Judge was popular, but has not been talked about much this season. The idea is that the team should win while Judge is still effective. Do you think they will win a championship while Judge is at, or near, his peak?
Yankees and Astros Game Summary April 26
Houston jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Cristian Walker hit a two-run home run. That was right after Yankee starting pitcher Gil walked a batter. He hit the next batter. Gil threw about 30 pitches in the first inning. He may not be long for this team. Then Gil gave up another two-run home run in the third inning to Isaac Pardes.
Gil then made another mess and was removed from the game after just four innings pitched. The good news is the Yankees’ bullpen is well rested, but it did not matter. Aaron Judge did hit a home run on his birthday. Unfortunately for the Yankees, that blast made the score of the game 7-4 Astros, after scoring a few runs in the ninth inning.
The Mystery of Luis Gil
Luis Gil started for the Yankees in this game. He gives Yankees’ fans Ogita. He throws in the upper 90s and won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2024. On the other hand, he struggles to throw strikes and walks batters. It seems he becomes unnerved, like today.
When he pitches out of the stretch, he becomes even less accurate. His future, with both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon set to return, hangs in the balance. It is not known if he will move to the bullpen or get sent down to the minor leagues. He was just there and could go back if he had options. He might be too wild for the bullpen.
Win Streaks in Baseball
Coming into this game, the Yankees had won eight games in a row. That is a long streak, and it is difficult to win baseball games. So, what explains the Yanks’ winning streak? They, until today, had gotten great starting pitching. During the eight wins, the earned run average os the Yankees’ starting pitchers was only 1.17. For the most part, their relief pitchers have thrown the ball well.
The team has also been getting timely hitting. They have scored a lot of runs, 29, in the first two games in Houston. Unfortunately for them, that streak ended today as well. Good pitching and timely hitting are the keys to winning baseball games. It is now time for the Yankees to begin a new streak. They know how.
Peak Judge
Peak Judge was a popular concept, but it has not been discussed much this season. It is appropriate, on his birthday, to broach the idea once more. The concept is that in a few years, age will catch up to the big slugger, and the team should win championships while he is effective and a big part of their lineup.
His birthday is just another reminder that he, like all of us, is getting older. It is the case that muscular and large players, like Judge, are thought not to age well. It might be a good idea for the team to move him to a position of less impact, like first base.
