(Photo: Richard Carson, Associated Press)
Houston — Whoever gets to grapple with these Houston Astros in the playoffs, good luck.
First you get Justin Verlander, who is on track to win his second Cy Young award. He never pitched out of the stretch in nine innings against the Tigers on Wednesday night. They managed two hits off him, both solo home runs, and struck out 11 times.
Then you get Gerrit Cole. Buckle up, because he’s bringing upper-90s heat right out of the gate, mixing in a hard slider and, just for kicks, a knuckle-curve.