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.”
Ruud advances to Barcelona semis after beating Arnaldi in straight sets
South China Sea News: Naval base expansion 'gives China more power in disputed sea'
Childcare subsidies to start from July, families eligible for up to $75 a week
Blizzard strikes North America, cancelling flights and disrupting presidential campaign
JAN MOIR: Another day, another desperate Montecito dollar. This time with jam on it!
Police treat painting over of Auckland's K' Road rainbow crossing as hate crime
Tame Iti brings Haki Ātea to Waitangi
Police treat painting over of Auckland's K' Road rainbow crossing as hate crime
French athletes at Paris Olympics will receive better mental health protection
'Major logistics exercise' to deliver humanitarian aid from NZ to Gaza
Ruud advances to Barcelona semis after beating Arnaldi in straight sets
ancient chinese scroll sells for fifty seven million dollars