A True Throwback

In a time of eight-man bullpens and analytics-driven "situational" matchups, you just don't see performances like the one Justin Verlander gave on Saturday. Channeling the spirit of decades-ago legends like Bob Gibson, Jack Morris and Whitey Ford, the Astros' recent acquisition worked all nine innings -- yes, a complete game -- and struck out 13, as Houston held off the Yankees 2 - 1 in ALCS game two. The longtime Tiger (seen here in 2014) threw 124 pitches, and, said in post-game interviews he was absolutely determined to finish what he began. No bringing in a closer -- this was his day to put the team on his back and carry it to the win column. Especially on a day when runs were hard to come by.
Skeptics will wonder if the now-34 year old will be ready for another start later in the series. On the other hand, Verlander brought his club within two wins of a pennant, and prevented the Yankees -- with the best home record in baseball -- from closing out the ALCS in the Bronx.
While in many ways baseball is the hardest sport to build momentum -- after all you're only as good as the next day's starting pitcher -- Verlander's gutsy performance could well rub off on his teammates, maybe even inspire them as the action moves to New York on Monday night.

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