WASHINGTON (AP) — Justin Verlander allowed two runs and four hits over six innings to win his season debut for the Houston Astros, 5-3 over the Washington Nationals on Friday night.
The 41-year-old right-hander, who began the season on the injured list because of right shoulder inflammation, struck out four and walked none, throwing 50 of 78 pitches for strikes in his 258th win.
“He looked really good,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “Efficient, threw a ton of strikes.”
Verlander (1-0) averaged 94.3 mph with 35 four-seam fastballs and induced five groundouts. The nine-time All-Star retired the side in order four times and improved to 5-0 with a 2.08 ERA in five regular-season starts against the Nationals.
Ildemaro Vargas hit an RBI single in the third and Riley Adams homered in the fourth, cutting Washington’s deficit to 4-2.
Verlander had made a pair of minor league injury rehabilitation starts.
Amal Clooney played key role in ICC bid to request arrest warrants for Israeli PM and Hamas leader
Domestic travel agencies suspend all tours to Israel
Winter sports become new custom of China
Keeping focused vital against Guam, says Chinese midfielder
Target starts price war with Walmart by slashing the cost of 5,000 popular items
China's theme parks increase in revenue and development
Harry Kane ends England's long wait for a final appearance to end Schmeichel's heroics
China's women's football team reach Tokyo Olympics with extra
Benedict Cumberbatch looks suave as he joins his co
China's women's football team reach Tokyo Olympics with extra
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
Xi Calls for Breaking New Ground in China's High