Kyle Tucker went 4-for-5 with a solo home run and Alex Bregman and Jake Meyers added homers as the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 9-7 on Friday night. But the eyes of Astros fans were on Justin Verlander after yet another struggling start.
Verlander, who will most likely earn a trip to Cooperstown, N.Y., and the Baseball Hall of Fame, has not been very sharp since coming back from his neck stiffness issues. While the veteran righthander has talked about how he’s improved his posture to eliminate his neck issues, Verlander has not been his old self.
Houston Astros Find Just Enough Offense
Verlander gave up eight hits and six runs in 4 2/3 innings. For the Detroit Tigers legend and two-time World Series champion, Friday’s game marks the third time in his last four starts that Verlander has given up eight hits. Oh yes, Verlander also has allowed at least five runs as well.
Justin Verlander gets love from the Houston crowd and he gives it back as he heads into the dugout. pic.twitter.com/LKMsqcHW8t
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) September 21, 2024
It was Verlander’s final regular-season home start for the Houston Astros. A crowd of 39,666 fans gave Verlander, the 41-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner, a standing ovation, MLB.com reported. They remember how Verlander came to the Astros, in his first stint, and played a vital role in getting them to a World Series championship. Verlander rejoined the Houston Astros last season after he signed a free-agent contract with the New York Mets, but was traded back to Houston during the season.
While walking off the mound on Friday night, Verlander patted his chest and then pointed toward the sky. He entered the Astros’ home dugout for what may be his final time.
Justin Verlander on the ovation he received exiting the field at Minute Maid Park pic.twitter.com/wYagT4d4BG
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 21, 2024
The Astros led 3-1 in the third inning after Bregman connected for a two-run homer off Angels starter Tyler Anderson (10-14). Meyers added a three-run blast above the left-field scoreboard at Minute Maid Park, giving Houston a 6-1 lead. But the Angels did not go down without a fight, scoring three runs in the fifth inning to make it 8-6 Astros.
Astros Bullpen Holds Up Just In Time
Los Angeles slugger Kevin Pillar connected in the seventh inning for a solo homer, making the score 9-7. But the Astros bullpen, which has been shaky and steady at times, was able to close the door. Reliever Hector Neris (10-5) allowed three hits and a run in 1 1/3 innings of work. Neris was a little up and down in his appearance, but he managed to get the job done. Closer Josh Hader came on in the ninth to get his 33rd save for the Houston Astros.
Tucker’s four-hit night matched a career high for him. It also was a good sign for his Astros teammates and their fans. Getting a healthy Tucker, who even made a solid running catch in right field on Friday night, back on board is a good thing at this time of the season.
So, the Astros are now owners of a Magic Number of four. Any combination of Astros wins or Seattle Mariners losses can give Houston yet another American League West Division title. Seattle beat the Texas Rangers 8-2 on Friday night.
Anderson, in just 2 2/3 innings of work, gave up eight hits and six earned runs, The Associated Press reported. It was his shortest start of the season.
The Houston Astros, winners of seven of their last nine games, have picked up the first two wins of this four-game series. It continues at Minute Maid Park on Saturday night with Ronel Blanco (11-6, 2.88 ERA) going for the Astros against Reid Detmers (4-7, 6.05 ERA) of the Angels.
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