Justin Verlander is pitching against the New York Yankees in the playoffs. Where have I seen this before? Oh yes, that’s right, in 2006, 2011, and 2012. How did those starts turn out? Verlander collected two wins, pitched 22 2⁄3 innings, and the Detroit Tigers won all three games. Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch is feeling pretty confident right now.
Truth be told, the first two starts weren’t vintage Verlander (though one of them was in his rookie year). But no Tigers fan will soon forget his 2012 display: 8 1⁄3 innings of three-hit ball that gave the Tigers a commanding 3-0 series lead in the ALCS.