Minneapolis – Just when you think Justin Verlander He can’t control anything, he does something to remind us why he is one of the best shooters of his generation.
Verlander continued his impressive start to the season at the Astros 5-0 win over the twins On Tuesday Nights at Target Field by carrying a no-batsman in the eighth inning before Gio Orcella broke it with a field one to the right with one. Verlander finished eight rounds without goals, walking twice while facing a minimum hit of 24.
Not five times shy of throwing his fourth career harmless, it was much to dampen Verlander’s enthusiasm about the way he’s touting on his comeback from Tommy John surgery.
“I felt really lucky to be in this position,” Verlander said. Urshela broke it with a nice, clean stroke. Unfortunately, I was [in this situation] Many times before this has happened. I had a heartbreaking few in the ninth inning. This, I think, is one of those who appreciate the truth [that] It’s a good outing and it gave us a chance to win.”
The Astros, the eight-game winning streak, scored four stopping points during their eight-game winning streak, allowing for eight total runs.
Verlander, who threw 89 throws, 4-1 with 1.55 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and .150 hitting average for an opponent in six starts. Those are exceptional numbers for any bowler, not to mention the 39-year-old who has thrown just one game in the previous two seasons.
“A man has three [no-hitters] Under his belt, when you get to eighth, he’s six points away and I think he’ll definitely get it,” said catcher Martin Maldonado.
Verlander was very effective, throwing only 66 throws through six runs and 76 throws through seven. Jorge Polanco hit to start eighth before Urcella lined up a fast ball at 95.1 mph in right field to break an unsuccessful attempt.
“I have no regrets about throwing in that tune,” Verlander said. “If you’re going to give it up, that’s how you want to do it. Against one on the field, a good hit by him, a good move by me. Take your hat off and move on.”
Urshela, who had stopped on his previous two hits to go down 0-for-5 in front of Verlander, said he wasn’t trying to pull the ball.
“It was a good fastball away from the ball, so I tried to stay off the ball,” Urcella said.
Verlander received a lot of help from his defense as well. Michael Brantley grabbed a nice dive in left field to steal Gary Sanchez from a strike to finish the first. Third baseman Alex Bregman charged his hand on Urshela’s reel in a second and tossed him out.
“[Brantley] He hates diving, so I appreciate that he warmed up for me early,” Verlander said. “Bergmann is on the left side of the field—a sharp ground ball, and he’s the only one there and he’s [playing] at. He was able to choose it.”
However, it was probably the best defensive game that came in sixth. Gilberto Celestino walked with two naysayers and tried to advance to second base on a ball that emanated from the gauntlet of Maldonado, who threw an arrow to Jeremy Pena to cover second out. Throw was recorded at 85 mph.
“Really, his job behind the board has been pretty cool overall,” Verlander said.
After throwing 101 throws Wednesday vs sailors For the first time since surgery, Verlander wouldn’t be past ninety, unless he had a nine-hitter. He said his next start would come after four days of rest, so it looks like the Astros will be back on a five-man course.
“I think we’re trying to be really smart with my workload,” he said. “In terms of the next rotation, it will be the first time this year that we have tried to go on a regular five-day rotation without [extra] rest days. It was kind of pre-planned, and a bit of a load. I got 100 pitches on my last outing, and I prepared well for it, and to prepare for regular rest and get my body used to it, the next step, for me, is the last. Not just to do it once, but to be able to repeat for five days [of rest] For multiple starts in a row is where I want to get to in the end.”
“Typical food guru. Problem solver. Devoted beer practitioner. Professional reader. Baconaholic.”