We’ve just come to expect it. Justin Verlander winning in the playoffs. Bank it.
Another shutdown performance by the probable* Cy Young winner for 2019. Seven innings, no runs, one hit, eight strikeouts. He had some command problems, especially at the beginning of the game, offering up three walks, but as is his wont, JV just got stronger as the game continued. He struck out the last three batters he faced.
AJ Hinch took him out at 100 pitches. It’s OK, save him for later.
Verlander’s mound opponent, Tyler Glasnow, was pretty dominant himself. He held the relentless Astros lineup to four hits and no runs for 4.