3 keys to an Astros win against the Yankees in Game 3

HOUSTON – The Astros protected their home field and now, the Yankees will try to do the same on their home turf in the Bronx. 

The  "must win" theme is certainly in place as only one team has ever come back from being in a 0-3 hole and win a series.

The Yankees believe they can pull it off and it begins with a Game 3 win on Monday night. 

New York will go with veteran C.C. Sabathia who has been phenomenal in the playoffs and following Yankee losses he has been lights out all season. He has thrown 9 2/3 innings and struck out 14 this postseason. He has pitched in many key games and Monday will be one of his biggest.  In his last five home starts, Sabathia is 4-0.

New York's offense has been baffled by Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander in Games 1 and 2. In all, Astros pitchers have struck out 27 Yankee hitters .  

In Game 3, they will face the Astros 14 game winner Charlie Morton who last pitched in Game 4 of the ALDS against Boston going 4 1/3 innings while striking out six. Morton grew up a Yankees fan and will be fired up to take the mound in front of family and friends.

Morton's style is different than what Keuchel and Verlander bring, but he can get it done. This New York lineup has produced only two runs to this point of the series. Yankee slugger, Aaron Judge, hit 33 home runs at home this season, so Morton will need to avoid the mistakes with him.

The Astros are a confident team right now that feels like no one can stop them. There are no egos inside of their clubhouse. This is a team that has a different hero just about every night and they have proven that all season.

The keys to an Astros win are simple: 
1 Jump on Sabathia early to silence the crowd
2. Play great defense
3. Morton control the middle of the NY lineup

Who will step up in Game 3? We will find out at 7:08 p.m. when they resume their road to the World Series.

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