Justin Verlander is making another strong case for the AL Cy Young this season and his outing Tuesday night against the Indians proved it. JV dominated Cleveland in a 2-0 Astros win, throwing seven innings, giving up two hits, and not allowing a walk or run. Verlander struck out 13 and threw an efficient 105 pitches on the way to his 14th victory of the year.
Robinson Chirinos opened open the scoring with a solo jack to right center field in the top of the 5th for one of his two hits in the game. Jose Altuve was 3-4 on the night with one of those hits being a double in the same inning to set the table for Michael Brantley. Brantley singled in Altuve to extend the lead to 2-0 which would be enough for the win. With three hits, Altuve has bumped his season average up top an even .300.
Will Harris and Roberto Osuna pitched a perfect 8th and 9th inning to preserve the win. Neither surrendered a hit or run with Osuna picking up his 24th save of the season. The trio of Verlander, Harris and Osuna needed only 130 pitches Tuesday night.
Jose Urquidy will get the nod Wednesday night for his 3rd career start. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10pm CT.