Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander hurled his third career no-hitter to further cement himself as a future Hall of Famer.
Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander threw his third career no-hitter Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays in a 2-0 win.
The greatest things come in 3s! #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/5utN44ztcJ
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 1, 2019
The veteran righty issued one walk and struck out 14 before inducing a ground out from rookie infielder Bo Bichette to end the game.
A storybook ending for the history books! #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/T9WlQ3QcCH
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 1, 2019
It was unclear throughout the game whether Verlander would complete the game. Houston and Toronto were scoreless entering the ninth inning, but third baseman Abraham Toro launched a two-run shot with two outs to break the scoreless tie. Toro also assisted on the final out of the game.
Just hold on we're going home ??#TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/cBxfZMqJhN
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 1, 2019
This marks the third no-hitter of Verlander’s career, the last of which also came against Toronto in 2011. It also marks the second no-hitter of the season for the Astros. Back on Aug. 3, Aaron Sanchez and three relievers shut down the lowly Seattle Mariners 9-0 at Minute Maid Park.
The last time a team had two no-hitters in a season was back in 2015. Both were pitched by Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer.
Justin Verlander’s victory lowered his ERA to 2.56 and improved his record to 17-5. He required 120 pitches, 79 of which were thrown for strikes, and he still leads the AL in ERA.
Houston next travels to Milwaukee for a quick two-game series with the Brewers before going home to face the last-place Seattle Mariners.
The Astros are currently in the midst of a tight race for home-field advantage with the New York Yankees. Both squads seem poised for a meeting in the ALCS. Where Game 7 is played could be a difference-maker, reminiscent of the 2017 ALCS.
