The Cleveland Indians had one runner advance past first base tonight, making a last-ditch plea for the front office to acquire a new bat ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Justin Verlander certainly played a big role in the Indians’ struggles at the plate, but the Tribe barely made the Astros starter break a sweat, dropping the series opener to Houston, 2-0.
With Verlander, the American League’s All-Star Game starter, and Shane Bieber, the American League’s All-Star Game MVP, on the mound, the stage appeared set for a classic pitcher’s duel. The difference in the game was that Verlander was far more dominant and the Astros’ lineup was far more effective at putting the ball in play, getting on base, and scoring runs.