BALTIMORE -- Justin Verlander was holding nothing back in his final start of the regular season Saturday.
Verlander, who's in the thick of the American League Cy Young Award conversation, reached double-digit strikeouts for the fourth start in a row for the Astros against the Orioles -- the longest streak of his career -- in Game 1 of a doubleheader. It was the 13th time in 34 starts this year he's struck out at least 10, and the 55th time in his career.
Verlander struck out seven of the first nine batters he faced -- two in the first inning, two in the second inning and three in the third inning.