MLB: Justin Verlander's Resurgence
After making his MLB debut in 2005 for the Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander had one of the best stretches in history spanning 13 seasons. He threw two no-hitters (2007, 2011), won the AL Rookie of the Year (2006), AL MVP (2011), AL Cy Young (2011), Triple Crown (2011), and was a six-time All-Star (2007, 2009-2013). Verlander was one of the most feared pitchers of this century, and then he hit a rut. He went down with multiple injuries and even when he was healthy, something looked out of sorts.
It was obvious that the skill was still there in the last few years, but something wasn’t right. As it turns out, he simply needed a change of scenery to really get back on track. The Tigers unofficially announced that they were heading for a rebuild, trading J.D. Martinez and Justin Upton, and Verlander was added to that list. They dealt him to the Houston Astros, who were in line for a playoff bid. Against the Seattle Mariners, in Verlander’s debut with Houston, he struck out seven batters over six winnings and earned the win.
And that would become a theme. He finished 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP with the Astros, and was picked to start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox. He didn’t disappoint. The Astros jumped all over Boston and Verlander kept the Red Sox’s bats quiet. But he wasn’t done yet. Most pitchers will only see the mound once in the AL/NLDS because it’s only a five-game series. However, Verlander came in relief in Game 4 and earned a second win, sending the Astros into the ALCS, where they would meet the New York Yankees with a World Series berth on the line.
After Dallas Kuechel started and won Game 1, Verlander took total control in Game 2, throwing a complete game, with 13 strikeouts, and a 2-1 victory to put the Astros up 2-0 in the series. But the Yankees continued their success at home during the playoffs, winning three straight to move to 6-0 on their field, and taking a 3-2 series lead. Verlander had the bright lights on him in Game 6 with a loss equating to elimination. He didn’t let the pressure get to him, and the offense of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correra helped, winning 7-1 and sending the ALCS to a decisive Game 7.
Which the Astros won, sending them to the World Series for just the second time ever and the first time since 2005. Verlander’s first season in the major leagues. Verlander was named the ALCS MVP, going 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA and 21 strikeouts, and improving his 2017 playoffs record to 4-0 and continuing his unbeaten streak with the Astros at 9-0. It’s been a miraculous run for one of the games best pitchers and he’s proving over and over, that 13 years later he still has it. The Astros and Verlander will have a chance to win the World Series, as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Verlander is expected to pitch Game 2.
Photo Credit: MLB & Sports Illustrated.
