Astros are counting on Justin Verlander to regain momentum

We need to help Verlander and the Astros beat the Yankees!!!

When the Houston Astros decided to trade for Justin Verlander before the August 31st deadline, they did so for today. Not that they could have predicted they would blow a 2-0 lead in the ALCS back then. Now, Verlander will be pitching with all of Houston on his back.

What Verlander did versus the Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS will be the most memorable moment of the postseason. Verlander threw a complete game of 124 pitches in front of a sellout crowd. In this day of age, who does that anymore? Verlander was written off by many at the start of the year, but not anymore.

Tonight, Verlander will take the mound with the Astros trailing 3-2 in a best of seven series versus the Yankees. With the Yankees one win from a World Series, the Astros backs are against the wall. Good!

Let’s do it!

While the Astro players would tell you they would have rather won already, this team has a never give up attitude. Even though this team has struggled offensively this postseason, they did well during the regular season with two outs. This team will come home and rally behind Verlander. After all, this team has yet to lose a home game this postseason.

The Yankees also have not lost a home game this postseason, so homefield advantage could be the Astros only help. Well, that and Verlander who has already handled the Yankees. However, the Yankees finally got to Dallas Keuchel after several years of domination. If Verlander struggles like Keuchel did, the series is over.

Verlander, “I got this!”

The good news is that Verlander is not backing down from the task at hand. His job is to even up the series and force a Game 7. Legends are made in Game 7’s because anything can happen. Lance McCullers could come back on short rest and shut the Yankees down. Charlie Morton could start and pitch the game of his career. Josh Reddick or George Springer could hit the game winning homer after struggling in the ALCS.

Rock the park!

Verlander knows that it falls on his shoulders to get the Astros to Game 7. Fans can help him out, come to Minute Maid Park as cheer! It sounds like the players felt that the Yankees fans were loud, louder than they have ever heard. When you hear players say that, you need to be louder at the games.

Next: Astros: Offense needed in do-or-die situation

The New York media made fun of the “artificial noise” with the clappers in Game 2. Most likely we will get the towels tonight. Let’s wave those towels as a battle cry for the Astros to beat the Yankees. Shout at the top of your lungs and let Verlander know that you/he are Houston Strong. Let’s go Astros!!!!

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***