ALDS 2017: 5 reasons Houston Astros will win

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros is congratulated by George Springer #4 and Josh Reddick #22 after hitting a two run home run against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at the Oakland Coliseum on September 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Houston Astros 9-8. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 27: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 27, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Verlander is dominating

With the exception of one very prominent hiccup in the 2012 World Series against Pablo Sandoval and the San Francisco Giants, Justin Verlander has been dominant in the postseason. His struggles in Game 1 of the Fall Classic that year can be overlooked as he had been 3-0 with a 0.74 ERA in his first three starts of that postseason. All in all, Verlander has a 7-5 career record in the playoffs with a solid 3.39 ERA, 1.088 WHIP and 10.3 SO/9.

The Astros have gotten way more than they ever could have hoped for out of Verlander since trading for him at the end of August. He is 5-0 in his five starts with a 1.06 ERA and 11.4 SO/9. Verlander struggled with his fastball command in the first half, but went 10-2 with a 1.96 ERA in the second half. Even the great Chris Sale’s numbers pale in comparison to what the Astros right-hander did in his final 15 starts to the regular season.

In the short series, the ability to start Verlander firing on all cylinders is a huge win for the Astros. He did start twice against the Red Sox this year and allowed three earned runs in 12 innings while holding them to a .190/.280/.262 line and no home runs.

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This is the moment for Verlander to step up and cement his legacy and destiny as a future Hall of Famer. The only thing missing from his impressive 13-year career is a World Series title, and this may be his best chance to get one.

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