HOUSTON — He won his 12th MLB-leading win Saturday. Justin Verlander He wasn’t ready for reflection on how far he had come in this season.
The 39-year old did however take the time to reflect on how his nearly two-year absence after Tommy John surgery has helped him appreciate his successes a little more.
He said, “I’ve used the word perspective here many times and I don’t take that for granted.” “I think I took a lot of things in the past, my health, and some success when i was young, but not since I became an Astronaut. However, I believe that age and having to go through some things can help you realize some positives you might not have realized before.
Verlander struck out 10 batters in six innings. Houston Astros Beat the Oakland Athletics 5-0.
Verlander is now the leader in strikeouts among active players. He has now reached 3,121, surpassing Curt Schilling (3116) and Bob Gibson (3117) to reach 14th on the all time list.
Verlander (12-3), allowed six hits and did not walk one. His ERA was 1.89 which is third in the majors. Phil Maton, Hector Neris And Bryan Abreu Each pitcher pitched an inning without scoring to complete the shutout of the AL’s worst team record.
Verlander was selected for his ninth All-Star match. Verlander will attend the festivities in Los Angeles next week, but he will not pitch in Tuesday’s game. Verlander threw 106 pitches Saturday.
Dusty Baker, manager, said that “he has an inner drive that you can’t really teach someone, especially when a guy like him has had such success.” “Most people would call it in. But this guy, he loves pitching and competing. We are glad he put in the effort and that we have him back.”
Maldonado added catcher Maldonado. “That guy, it feels like he’s 25, I feel.”
Verlander laughed at Maldonado’s assessment of his character.
He said, “I appreciate it.” “It takes a lot to fight the good fight, and rage against dying of the light. I will continue doing that for as long as possible.”
Five of six hits Verlander allowed were singles. The Athletics only got one hit per inning when they had five. Dermis Garcia And Nick Allen To start the fifth, hit consecutive singles. But Vimael Machin Before Verlander retired, Verlander was grounded into a double-play Ramon Laureano End the threat
Mark Kotsay, Oakland manager, said that Justin was “classic Justin”. “Life is on the fastball, and he threw many breaking balls today.”