HOUSTON — Yes, the Yankees felt good about sweeping the brutal Orioles in three games over the weekend, but clearly understood the challenge Astros right-hander Justin Verlander presented Monday night at Minute Maid Park.
“Justin Verlander, is about as good as it gets,’’ Aaron Boone said of the Astros’ right-hander hours before the first of three games against the Astros resulted in a 4-3 loss thanks to the ineffective relief work from Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino.
Verlander, 36, entered the game with a 205-123 career record but just 7-7 against the Yankees in regular-season games but had won his past four postseason starts against them.