Verlander mixed 64 fastballs, 24 sliders, 11 curveballs and three changeups. “He continues to bring it every single start.” “That's why he's going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge said after going 0 for 3 against Verlander. The 39-year-old right-hander, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, struck out three and walked one, lowering his ERA to 2.22. With wife Kate Upton watching from a first-row seat behind the plate in the Yankees' season-high crowd of 47,528, Verlander (9-3) averaged 95.5 mph with his fastball, up from 94.8 mph coming in. Asked during batting practice how he would navigate through his relievers, Astros manager Dusty Baker quipped: “My navigation system is Verlander.”
Kyle Tucker hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning, powering the Houston Astros' 3-1 victory Friday night that stopped New York’s 15-game home winning streak.Įxactly what the Astros needed, given their worn-down bullpen after Thursday's late meltdown in the series-opening 7-6 loss. Looking as strong as ever in his return season from Tommy John surgery, Verlander pitched four-hit ball over seven innings against the major league-leading Yankees. NEW YORK - Justin Verlander was amped up, throwing nine of his 20 fastest pitches this season. Verlander pitches Astros to 3-1 win, ends Yanks' home streak
