Justin Verlander Pitches Astros to A.L. West Title

The Houston Astros acquired veteran pitcher Justin Verlander to help them win championships and he helped them with the first step on September 17th. Verlander struck out 10 and allowed just one run in seven innings of work as the Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 7-1 at Minute Maid Park in Houston to clinch the American League West title. This is the club’s first division crown since 2001.

Verlander improved to 3-0 with an 0.86 ERA since being traded to Houston from the Detroit Tigers at the waiver trade deadline on August 31st. His recent performance and playoff experience could be of enormous value in the post season. The Houston pitching staff has an ERA of 4.25, compared to Cleveland’s 3.35 and Boston’s 3.66. Cleveland has clinched the A.L Central and Boston has a three game lead in the East.