HOUSTON -- Astros pitcher Justin Verlander broke John Smoltz's career mark for strikeouts in the postseason during the team's 12-3 Game 2 World Series loss to Washington on Wednesday night.
Verlander struck out Nationals outfielder Victor Robles in the second inning for his 200th postseason strikeout, surpassing the mark of 199 set by Smoltz, whose last career appearance in the postseason was in 2009. Smoltz was at Minute Maid Park for the game, working the national telecast for Fox.
Verlander set the mark after another rocky beginning in a World Series outing, a recurring issue for him during his accomplished career.