Game 124 Preview: Yankees vs. Astros

Aug 17, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher

(34) singled during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Game Overview

The Yankees will take the field tonight trying to put a demoralizing loss last night behind them.  In a game in which they received an uneven performance from starter Chris Capuano, the Bombers managed to tie the game up in the sixth inning.  However, closer David Robertson imploded in the ninth inning of a tie game, walking two before giving up a three-run homer to Chris Carter, losing the game for the Yankees.  The loss put the Yankees four games out from the second Wild Card spot.

The Yankee offense will need to build on yesterday’s hitting.  Catcher Brian McCann hit a two-run home run and Jacoby Ellsbury and Martin Prado each had three hits in the loss.   The Yankee offense has been dismal all year, but has shown signs of improvement at home.  McCann has 12 home runs at Yankee Stadium.  Ellsbury is hitting .328 at home, including .464 in his last eight home games.  Taking advantage of the short porch in right field will be crucial for the Yankees as they look to provide more pop in their lineup.

Overcoming a four game deficit for the last playoff spot is not an easy task.  However, the sport is littered with examples of teams overcoming those odds to make the playoffs.  The Yankees are not out of it yet, although each loss, especially losses that should have been wins, closes the door to the playoffs a little bit more.  The Yankees need to start winning games consistently and avoid prolonged losing streaks.  The Yankees have won 2 of their last 3 and need to build on that and avoid the losing that leads to losing 6 of 8 which the Yankees has also done.  A win today would be a step in the right direction for the Bombers.