The Houston Astros are having yet another remarkable MLB season. They have won their second consecutive American League championship. Consequently, they have qualified for the World Series for the second time running. Alongside the team’s significant achievements, their 39-year-old star pitcher, Justin Verlander, is also on the brink of a milestone.?
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Interestingly, the Astros have maintained an unbeaten record in the postseason this year. Qualifying as the rank toppers and winning the zonal crown, they clinched playoff berths on direct entry. Notably, this year they are also the first and the only American League team with 100+ wins. Therefore, they are now only anticipating a World Series victory for the perfect icing on the cake.?
JV is a living legend ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/6mVmMoyzRE
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 27, 2022
Meanwhile, Justin Verlander is about to make the fourth World Series appearance of his career. He is on course to become only the second-ever starting pitcher to achieve a unique feat. The next pitcher to do so in all these years, after the legendary Roger Clemens.??
The reign of the invincible Houston Astros?
The Astros played their first postseason series this year against the wildcard entries, the Seattle Mariners. Sweeping the Mariners with ease, the Astros reached the league championship series. From there on, the Astros faced off against World Series favorites, the New York Yankees. But giving no quarter, the Astros completed another sweep by holding down the Yankees.?
So with the jubilant mood in the Astros’ clubhouse, Justin Verlander’s once-in-a-lifetime achievement will add another feather to their cap. On Friday night, the Astros will begin their World Series campaign against the Philadelphia Phillies. When Verlander pitches on Friday, he will become the second-ever pitcher to start a World Series game in three different decades. Therefore, establishing his place in the baseball record books among the greats.?
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On the other hand, the Phillies are one of the shocking entries into the postseason this year. Stepping into the playoffs after a wildcard victory, the Phillies caused a major setback. Ousting the defending champions, Atlanta Braves, the Phillies thus eliminated another World Series favorite.?
Justin Verlander’s MLB career to date
Verlander made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2005. He made two World Series appearances with the Tigers in 2006 and 2012, respectively. In 2017, he joined the Astros. Verlander is a nine-time All-Star player who has a World Series in his beginning year in the Astros’ frame.?
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Do you think Justin Verlander will win the game for his team on Friday?