WASHINGTON (AP) — Justin Verlander allowed two runs and four hits over six innings in the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s season debut for the Houston Astros, a 5-3 victory against the Washington Nationals on Friday night.
The 41-year-old right-hander, who began the season on the injured list because of right shoulder inflammation, struck out four and walked none, throwing 59 of 78 pitches for strikes. Verlander averaged 94.3 mph with 35 four-seam fastballs and induced five groundouts. The nine-time All-Star retired the side in order four times.
Ildemaro Vargas hit an RBI single in the third and Riley Adams homered in the fourth, cutting Washington’s deficit to 4-2.
“It’s huge, just for the morale of the club and his leadership and getting on the mound and competing,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before the game. “We are all excited about that and what he means to this team for so many years. The guys are pretty excited about having him on the mound.”
Chinese scientist awarded for groundbreaking work in transplantation, cellular therapy
Italian thrill seekers head to China for extreme sports on world's highest bridge
Ice lantern festival kicks off in Yanqing
Ethnic performance nourishes soul, life in southwest China
Dominican prosecutors arrest soldier accused of raping a 14
Electrifying Hangzhou Asian Games with green energy
Relics spanning over 4,000 years unearthed in China's Zhejiang
Former WWE star 'Shooter' Tony Jones dead at 53 as tributes pour in to 'a true legend'
G7 comes for Putin, Ayatollah and Xi: Ukraine to receive frozen Russian assets to fund 'game
Chase Elliott drives backward after Texas win that could get him going in the right direction again