I think pulling Max was the right call, but in that spot, looking to go up, when the bats are silent again, Max has shown that he can power through those kinds of situations. I think you let him rock through that inning and check his hamstring after. It's the playoffs. THIS is why you kept him out game 1 and 2. THIS is where you push the players. Now they're facing elimination. ESPECIALLY when the bullpen [yeah, different teams yadda yadda] has blown starts for this team again and again.
Can't win when the bats go silent though.