Justin Verlander cruised through seven scoreless innings Friday afternoon as the Astros took down the Rays, 6-2. With the win, Houston takes a 1-0 ALDS series lead over Tampa Bay.
Verlander gave up just one hit in seven innings while striking out eight and walking three. In 12 career ALDS appearances, JV improved to 8-0.
Jose Altuve hit a two run blast to put the Astros on the board first in the 5th inning. Altuve has now hit a home run in game 1 of the ALDS for three straight seasons, giving him nine home runs in his post season career. The Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe dropped a fly ball hit by Yuli Gurriel which allowed two runs to score for Houston which also took place in the 5th. The E4 made the score 4-0 in favor of the Astros. Alex Bregman led off the 7th with a walk and then stole second before being knocked in by an RBI double from Yordan Alvarez. Gurriel followed with an RBI double of his own to score Alvarez to make it 6-0. Tampa Bay scored two in the 8th but that would be all.
Game two of the ALDS will be Saturday evening at 8:07pm. Gerrit Cole will take the hill for Houston.