The Houston Astros pulled off an extra-innings 5-3 win over the New York Yankees on Friday. The Astros scored three runs off of Yankees closer Devin Williams in the 10th inning, who has struggled mightily lately.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained the reasoning for allowing his struggling closer to come into the game in another high-leverage scenario.
“We’re kind of short down there at that point,” Boone said of the bullpen, per SNY’s Garrett Stepien. “You get five innings out of the starter. You’re trying to get back in it and get through and staying away from (David) Bednar today. So, then you’re probably even lighter, staying away.”
For the Yankees, lefties Tim Hill and Brent Headrick were available, but the Astros were bringing three righties up to the plate to start the 10th, leaving Boone with no choice but to go with Williams.
“So, then you’re down to lefties and then it’s that little right lane there for Devin. So, didn’t work out tonight,” Boone said.
The Astros’ bludgeoning of Williams on Friday was one of many that have come Williams’ way recently. In his last seven appearances, Williams is pitching to a 10.80 ERA, and has surrendered eight earned runs over his last 6.2 innings.
The win comes at a very opportune time for the Astros, who lead the Seattle Mariners by just 1.5 games in the AL West. In the thick of a wild pennant race, the Astros need every win they can get.
