Justin Verlander pitched 6 masterful innings to earn his league-leading 13th win of the season as the Houston Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 4-2 at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday afternoon. George Springer lead the way with a moonshot Homerun to left field for his 23rd of the year giving the Astros an early 2-1 lead. Jose Altuve then followed up with a 430 ft Homerun to center field that looked like it was going to hit the Torchy’s Taco sign by the Patio giving the Astros a 4-1 lead in the 5th inning. It is quite evident that Jose Altuve has found his normal form this month as he has nearly a .400 batting average in July.
Will Harris relieved Verlander and led a solid Bullpen outing including two strikeouts lowering his ERA to 1.63 for the year. Roberto Osuna earned his 23rd save of the year although he did give up another run in the 9th inning, perhaps giving another reason for Houston Astros fans to wonder whether they need to acquire additional bullpen arms for the Post-Season this fall. With the MLB Trade deadline approaching at the end of the month, Osuna has been quite disappointing over the course of the last 2 months and does not look a formidable closer for a deep October run. We believe A.J. Hinch may need to think about putting Ryan Pressly in the Closer spot when he returns from his injury or trading for a new closer before the deadline, however we want to get your opinion on this Houston Astros fans. Please comment with your opinion below.
Game Note: Justin Verlander had 11 strikeouts on Wednesday afternoon and had the Oakland Athletics hitters feeling uncomfortable at the plate all afternoon. With his full repertoire of pitches effective including a good mix of his overpowering fastball and off-speed slider/curveball, Verlander may be considered the best pitcher in baseball even at the age of 36. He is now tied with Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals for most wins in Major League Baseball and is considered the favorite for the American League Cy Young Award, although ironically enough, Charline Morton, a former Houston Astros great is also having a superb year with the Tampa Bay Rays.
