Yankees at Astros 10/19/19 - MLB Playoffs Picks & Predictions

On Saturday night, Minute Maid Park will play host to Game Six of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros. Last night, Aaron Hicks crushed a three-run home run to power New York to a 4-1 home victory. SP James Paxton struck out nine batters and allowed one run over six frames to pick up the win for the Yankees. 

New York manager Aaron Boone has yet to name a starting pitcher for this matchup. He could go with right-hander Luis Severino or opt for a bullpen game. The Yankees ranked 14th with a 4.31 team ERA during the regular season.

The Houston Astros won 60 of their 81 home games during the regular season and need just one victory to advance to the World Series against Washington. In Game Five, SP Justin Verlander fanned nine batters and was charged with all four runs in seven innings of work. The Astros struck out 12 times and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Houston skipper A.J. Hinch has yet to announce his starter for Game Six. Hinch will likely hold Gerrit Cole for Game Seven on his usual rest and choose to go with an all-hands-on deck approach. The Astros ranked third in the majors with a 3.66 team ERA.