In a game that was little more than a playoff warm-up, the Astros dominated potential World Series contender the Phillies in every aspect of the game.
Let’s start with starting pitching.
Justin Verlander virtually wrapped up the Cy Young award with his 18th win of the season against four losses. He pitched five scoreless, hitless innings. Even better, he possibly pitched his best game of the year, striking out ten and walking only one. He threw 51 pinpointed strikes out of 77 pitches. His ERA dropped to .175.
How about the bullpen?
The Astros bullpen continued the no-hitter started by Verlander through eight complete innings until Will Smith allowed three straight singles in the ninth, followed by three straight strikeouts.