On Halloween night, former Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander had the opportunity to accomplish something that has eluded him so far in his career, winning a World Series.
Through the first five innings, JV was untouchable (8K’s and 1 hit allowed) as he and his Houston Astros teammates took a 1-0 lead into the sixth.
But that’s when things unraveled a bit for Verlander and the Los Angeles Dodgers hitters took advantage. After giving up a leadoff single to Austin Barnes, JV hit Chase Utley with a pitch, putting runners on first and second with no outs. Chris Taylor followed with a double scoring Barnes and Corey Seager hit a sacrifice fly which brought home Utley, putting the Dodgers ahead 2-1.
Verlander was able to get out of the inning without giving up any more runs, but with his spot in the lineup coming up second in the top of the seventh, Astros manager A.J. Hinch made the decision to remove his starting pitcher from the game.
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The move did not pay off as the Astros were unable to score in the top of the seventh and the Dodgers went on to win the game 3-1, sending the World Series to a do or die Game 7 on Wednesday night.
Following the conclusion of the game, Verlander was asked about whether or not he would be available to pitch just one day after throwing 93 pitches in Game 6. Though he said he felt great at the moment, his availability for Game 7 would depend on one thing.
Asked about his availability for Game 7, Justin Verlander said, "Right now, I feel great."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) November 1, 2017
Verlander said his availability will depend on how he feels playing catch tomorrow.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) November 1, 2017
Knowing Justin Verlander’s competitive drive, it may not matter how he feels playing catch on Wednesday before Game 7. His arm could feel like it is going to fall off and he would probably tell A.J. Hinch that he is good to go.
