ALCS Game 4 postponed as storm crawls up East Coast

Fans may be disappointed with the postponement of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday, but the rainout could actually benefit both the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros.

Major League Baseball officials confirmed on Wednesday morning that Game 4 of the series would be postponed due to the rain. Game 4 will now be played on Thursday and Game 5 will be held on Friday in the Big Apple.

With the game postponed, the teams will lose an off-day, which could greatly impact each team's pitching rotations. The teams will now have to play the final four games of the series (if Games 6 and 7 are needed) over the span of four consecutive days.

Houston Astros' Carlos Correa celebrates with teammates after his walk-off home run against the New York Yankees during the 11th inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Both clubs ranked in the top three all-time in home runs hit this season, with a combined 594 blasts between them. The Yankees already face an uphill battle against the Astros elite pitching staff, featuring nine All-Stars who combined to lead the league in strikeouts.

The extra rest for the teams' pitching staff certainly seems to favor Houston, as all three of their Cy Young-caliber pitchers would be in play to start again, rather than the team needing to go to the back of its rotation.

"It gives everybody a day off and an opportunity to collect ourselves," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "It changes our pitching a little bit; how beneficial is probably easier to answer after I see how guys perform and how the pitching plays out."

For the Yankees, the extra day also allows their ace, Masashiro Tanaka, to take the mound for Game 4 after he blanked the star-studded Astros lineup on Saturday in Game 1.

However, a rest day on Wednesday also gave the Yankees bullpen a much-needed relief after five relievers were used in Tuesday's Game 3 loss.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Studies have shown that a wet baseball is much harder to hit for with power, thus lowering home run totals and making for closer, lower-scoring ballgames. In games determined by two or fewer runs this postseason, the Yankees are 0-1 while the Astros are 2-0.

Gusty winds will still be present for both Game 4 and 5, which could play a significant role given the home run-friendly confines of Yankee Stadium.

Right field at Yankee Stadium is historically known for being a home run haven, located just 314 feet from home plate.

For Thursday night, AccuWeather Meteorologist Isaac Longley noted that the winds could once again play a big role, as they will be strongest during the first couple innings.

"It will be a windy day on Thursday, but it will be largely dry with a mix of sunshine and clouds," Longley said. "The winds will be out of the west at 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph at times."

There will be a small chance that an isolated shower rolls through the metro area during the afternoon hours. Any isolated shower should exit by the evening hours.

"The wind will slowly diminish during the evening hours. The wind will be the gustiest during the first couple of innings, but overall sustained at 15-25 mph with gusts still up to 35 mph," Longley said. "This wind favors balls hit to right field, and routine fly balls will go farther, potentially leading to more home runs. The temperature will generally hold in the middle 50s F throughout the game with the AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature in the mid-40s."

For Game 5 on Friday, it will remain cool and dry but winds will not be as strong.

After a sunny to partly cloudy day with a high near 60, the temperature will be in the middle 50s with an AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature around 50 at first pitch. The actual temperature will drop to around 50 with the RealFeel® Temperature falling to the middle to upper 40s by the end of the game. The wind will be from the northwest at 7-14, which is a breeze that blows directly across the diamond toward the right foul line.