Astros clinch AL West title as Verlander secures 262nd win
- Justin Verlander pitched six innings, giving up three runs and striking out five, achieving his 262nd career win.
- José Ramírez contributed significantly for the Guardians, hitting his 39th home run and driving in three runs.
- Both teams are playoff-bound, with the Astros preparing for the AL Wild Card Series, while Verlander's postseason participation is still undecided.
On Saturday night, Justin Verlander achieved his 262nd career victory as the Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4-3. Verlander pitched six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out five, marking his longest outing since returning from a two-month absence due to neck discomfort. This win was significant for Verlander, who expressed that he felt better than he had in recent outings and was optimistic about his performance moving forward. The Guardians' José Ramírez had a standout game, hitting his 39th home run and driving in three runs, putting him close to a historic milestone of 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. Despite the loss, Ramírez's performance highlighted his exceptional hitting skills, which Verlander acknowledged. Both teams have secured first-round byes for the playoffs, with the Astros set to host either the Detroit Tigers or Kansas City Royals in the AL Wild Card Series. Verlander’s status for the postseason remains uncertain, as he has not yet been informed if he will be included in the playoff roster. In terms of player health, the Astros are monitoring Yordan Alvarez, who is recovering from a knee sprain, while the Guardians are managing injuries to their pitchers. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming postseason.