All eyes were on this Saturday, as it signaled the beginning of the division series. Multiple teams, including the former and the reigning champions, started their post-season journey to get the ultimate prize for one more time. As a result, everyone expected it to be a great day and fatefully, the same happened with some engaging contests. But among everyone else the Astros’ pitcher Justin Verlander stole the show with a magical outing.
Given the forty-year-old had a poor league stage, no one expected him to make it to the playoffs. But the $87 million ace outshined all with his move back to Houston. After silencing the doubters with outstanding performances in the league stage, the 2022 champion had a great start to the playoffs under Dusty Baker. With his skills, he left Minnesota Twins hitter in the spell-like Hogwarts, giving another moment for the fans to share their thoughts.
Magical Justin Verlander Proves the Doubters Wrong
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After winning the 2022 championship, Justin Verlander moved to the New York Mets for similar glory. But the season did not go well for him, garnering heavy criticism from the fans. With postseason chances against them, it looked like an early end of the season for him. But all changed with a Houston Astros calling.
Amidst all the doubts, Verlander has been an improved player. Although age is not on his side, the experience is, using which, he has provided many wins. Verlander continued the same in his playoff game with a pitch that left the hitter with nothing to save himself.
Notably, Verlander threw a curveball, which made the opposite player lose his bat and helmet on the plate. According to an MLB analyst, Rob Friedman, it was magical and resembled Harry Potter. He shared the same on X, depicting that thought and wrote, “Justin Verlander, Expelliarmus Curveball.”
Justin Verlander, Expelliarmus Curveball. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/Iuo3cUcqZh
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 7, 2023
His comparison was unique, rightly so. Fans also agreed with it and commended Verlander for his brilliant outing. The forty-year-old finished with five strikeouts against two hits, helping the team win 6-4 and take the lead in a game series.
Fans Celebrate Verlander’s Great Outing as Astros Take Lead
The Houston Astros won the game to continue their title defense. Justin Verlander, who was not on their team at the start of the season, played another great game. He gave them a solid margin with his pitching for a win.
Fans also loved his performance, including his curveball that left the hitter bamboozled. Reacting to it, they have shared their thoughts in the following ways.
A Hogwarts special
— Scott Jacobsen (@statsobsession) October 7, 2023
Another fan repeats the same.
@manimal14 Hogwarts baseball collab only you’d appreciate
— Sam Winter (@Sam_Winter_712) October 7, 2023
One fan described it as history in the making.
Good lord. Verlander has a history of making dudes look silly in the playoffs
— Sped Recer (@J2S2013) October 7, 2023
One finds it hilarious.
never seen harry potter but this is hilarious!!
— The JQ Reign 💫 (@jlucio99) October 7, 2023
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Other compares it to a pitcher who struggled.
He’s the opposite of Kershaw. Can have an avg yr, but be unhittable in the playoffs.
— MVP (@offauxcord) October 8, 2023
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It was certainly a delight for the fans to watch Verlander at his best. They will also want him to continue playing the same as the Astros look to win the second title in a row. Will that be the case? Let us know your thoughts on the same in the comments below.
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