Verlander presents more evidence in his case for Cy Young. Astros 3 homers beat Rangers 4-1

He’s on a mission. Or maybe a vision quest. And it seems he can’t be stopped.

Justin Verlander strengthened his grip on the Cy Young award tonight, getting his 19th win and bringing his ERA down to 2.50 for the season. He pitched six scoreless innings, allowed only four hits and two walks, while striking out eight. With pitching like that, it doesn’t take much hitting to win.

And the Astros had enough. Although Rangers pitcher Lance Lynn held the Astros hitters scoreless through four innings, Yuli Gurriel broke through for the Good Guys with a solo homer in the fifth, his career high 29th of the year.

In the sixth inning the Astros added two more with back to back monster shots by Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez, their 37th and 26th homers respectively.

This game produced two of the most memorable events of the year. The first was the above picture of Yordan and Bregman, back to back. I want to buy the poster. The other is the following “triple” by Robinson Chirinos. I’ll just let you watch it for yourself.

Chirinos was rewarded for his hustle with a run scored on an ensuing George Springer infield single, making the score 4-1. The Rangers had scored in the top of the seventh on a Nomar Mazara home run off Hector Rondon.

Will Harris and Roberto Osuna finished the game after Rondon, eaching hurling scoreless innings. Osuna recorded his 34th save.

Carlos Correa made his debut in his second return from IL and will probably need some time to get his stroke back. He was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts.

Tomorrow the Astros go for the sweep in this two game series. Gerrit Cole goes against Kolby Allard. Game time 7:10 CDT at home in MMP.

Box score and videos here.