Verlander, Houston Astros Edge Past Guardians

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Justin Verlander had not been showing his best side in recent starts for the Houston Astros, but he managed to work six innings en route to a 4-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians. Verlander was tuning it up for a possible postseason spot in the Astros’ pitching rotation. Astros manager Joe Espada hasn’t finalized his lineup yet for the upcoming American League Wild Card series.

But the three-time Cy Young Award winner definitely gave Espada something to ponder on Saturday night. In the first inning, Verlander allowed a two-run home run from Cleveland’s José Ramírez. After that, though, he did his best to quiet down Guardians hitters.

Houston Astros Ride JV’s Arm

Overall, Verlander gave up seven hits, three runs, and struck out five. He didn’t walk a batter, which was a great sign to see. This marked the second win in three starts for Verlander, dropping his hefty earned-run average down to 5.48. Verlander missed two months this season while dealing with neck discomfort issues. The Saturday night win was Verlander’s No. 262 for his career, which is the most among active pitchers.

But getting a chance to show what he can do at this point in his career pleased Verlander a lot.

“I worked hard for this and it was probably the best I’ve felt since coming back,” Verlander said after the game, The Associated Press reported. “I’m realistic. I know I haven’t been as sharp as I need to be, but I feel like I’m inching in the right direction.”

Ramírez’s home run was his 39th this season. He also drove in all three Cleveland runs as the Guardians, as American League Central Division champions, will await to see who wins the AL Wild Card series. The Houston Astros, AL West Division winners, will host the three-game ALWC series starting on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. Either the Detroit Tigers or Kansas City Royals will be the Astros’ opponent.

Ramírez now sits within one homer of becoming the seventh player in major-league history with 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season. Ramírez has 41 steals this season. “Ramírez is such an incredible hitter, you’ve got to tip your hat to him,” said Verlander, who is 24-24 with a 4.42 ERA in 57 career starts against Cleveland. “It wasn’t a bad pitch and he hit it out. It’s impressive.”

Joe Espada didn’t hide his happiness over seeing his veteran right-hander go out and pitch that well. “There was a real intention there tonight to show he can really deliver — and he did,” he said. “He threw the ball really, really well and even got to 97 (mph) to Ramírez.” Shawn Dubin picked up his second save this year with a scoreless ninth inning.

Future Is In Verlander’s Hands

“He made some good pitches,” Espada said about Verlander, MLB.com reported. “I thought he got those guys off balance. A lot of their singles were kind of soft and he made some really good pitches.” It’s also worth noting that Verlander might have made his final regular-season start as an Astro. Decisions about his future will be made after the postseason wraps up.

But Verlander was a bit melancholy about his time with the team and organization, too. “Never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I’ve got some work to do this offseason personally and that’s going to happen after whatever happens in the playoffs. That’s kind of where my focus is at, and if I end up back here, great. Love Houston, love the people, love my teammates. I’ve had an incredible run. If not, tip your cap and say, ‘Thank you for an incredible journey.’”

Zach Dezenzo’s RBI single in the first inning put the Houston Astros up 1-0 early off Cleveland’s Ben Lively (13-10). But Ramirez’s dinger quickly wiped that one-run lead out. Astros first baseman-designated hitter Jon Singleton coaxed a bases-loaded walk in the Astros’ three-run second inning. Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio’s throwing error led to Houston’s last two runs.

Lively worked four innings, giving up two earned and two unearned runs in his outing.

Houston Astros fans have been keeping their eyes turned toward Houston and wondering how Yordan Alvarez is doing. His power stroke is something the team really needs entering postseason play. Reports from the team on Saturday indicated that Alvarez will be fitted with a knee brace. He’s been dealing with a right knee sprain. Once Alvarez gets the brace, it’s expected that he will return to baseball duties.

For the Astros and Guardians, they wrap up their regular seasons on Sunday. Reports indicate that the Houston Astros will give right-hander Ryan Gusto a turn as a starting pitcher in his big-league debut. The Guardians have indicated that right-hander Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86 ERA) is going to be their bulk reliever behind right-hander Nick Sandlin.

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