Why Justin Verlander’s bullpen debut signaled the Astros were reeling
The historic season for the Houston Astros lives another day, as the team moves on to the ALCS after defeating the Boston Red Sox, 5-4.
In a series that was dominated by the Astros in Games 1 and 2, the Red Sox returned to Fenway Park and showed resilience in the face of elimination. With Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel already out of the way, the Red Sox had a chance to even the series up at home, and looked as if they would after dismantling the Astros in Game 3.
Game 4 was not only an elimination game for Boston, but also a huge battle for the Astros. Houston was able to jump in front early, but when the Red Sox took the lead, it was as if the complexity of the series had changed.
Fenway Park was rocking, and the Astros were reeling. A team that plated 16 runs in two games looked as if they were stunned in their tracks, and the less talented Red Sox were going to force what was a Game 5.
But, A.J. Hinch had different plans when he stunned everyone by putting Verlander in for relief. This to me showed the Astros were not messing around, and they sure as heck did not want anything to do with Red Sox in a decisive Game 5.
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While the Astros are young, their most experienced pitcher is a guy that was surprisingly traded at the wire of the second trade deadline. Verlander is going to be the veteran that either leads this team to the Fall Classic or they will falter against the winner of the Indians and Yankees.
Game 4 between the Red Sox and Astros simply put was Hinch going all in knowing the consequences. Do you trust Keuchel on the mound in a win or go home situation? Hell yes, but he’s no Verlander guys. If Verlander coming out in relief was not the biggest alarm that the Astros felt the series momentum turning in the opposition’s favor then I would absolutely love to know what was.
This is the postseason, and a win is a win as I am well aware. You have a New York Yankees team that should have won this series if it weren’t for Girardi’s non-challenge, and then you have a Cleveland Indians team that is finally playing some good competition and they’re showing it. This leaves Houston with an advantage already.
The Houston Astros may have dodged their biggest playoff obstacle in the ALDS, and honestly that may be a good thing. Just remember, if the Astros bring home the hardware for the first time in history, the thing to remember will be Verlander taking the mound in Game 4 to clinch the series.