Predictions
Bold In Game Predictions
Zach Britton Will Pitch
Much was made about Zach Britton not making an appearance in the 2016 Wild Card game when the Orioles lost to the Blue Jays. This will not be an issue for Aaron Boone, Britton, and the Yankees who will use Britton at all costs in this one.
Starting Pitchers Will Not Last Long
The A’s are using an opener so, right off the bat their bullpen will be used to the max. For the Yankees, their plan will be to get their starter through at least five innings so they can get to the likes of Britton, Robertson, Green, Betances, and Chapman.
Power Will Determine The Final Score
Both teams are home run hitting machines, there is a chance that we could see a record of home runs hit in a one-game playoff. And truthfully speaking, how can you not expect there to be a lot of power with the likes of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Khris Davis, and Matt Olson?
Gary Sanchez Will Have A Perfect Night Behind Home Plate
Much has been said about the play of Gary Sanchez behind the plate this season. He allowed 18 passed balls this season but, shuts down the running game. With the stakes high, expect Sanchez to be perfect, or as close to perfect as possible behind the plate Wednesday night.
The Game Itself
If you thought the 2017 Wild Card game was an epic game full of different emotions, expect this one to be the same thing.
The Oakland lineup is just as dangerous as the Yankees’ and this has the potential to be a game where both teams trade punches. With this being the first playoff game that we will be seeing an opener, so there will not be a great amount of room for error by Oakland.
That reason alone is why the Yankees should come out on top of this game. Also take into consideration the inexperience of the young A’s team, compared to what the Yankees went through in 2017. Add in the crowd factor Yankee Stadium will play, and the Yankees should advance to their rivals in the ALDS.
Final Score: 7-5 Yankees
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