Right-hander Justin Verlander has been named the Houston Astros’ starting pitcher for Game 1 of the World Series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.
The Astros announced their decision on Thursday, one day after the Phillies tabbed right-hander Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.12 ERA postseason; 11-13, 3.25 regular season) to make the start in the opener.
Verlander (1-0, 6.30 postseason; 18-4, 1.75 regular season) won his lone start against the Phillies this season. The two-time Cy Young Award winner (2011, 2019) and 2011 MVP did not allow a hit and struck out 10 batters over five innings in a 10-0 romp on Oct. 4.
–Field Level Media