The Astros ace returned from Tommy John surgery and once again was the best pitcher in the American League. Still, there was one thing missing.
PHILADELPHIA — Justin Verlander was dripping with water, beer, mustard, ketchup and happiness. Laundry will take care of the liquids and condiments. The joy never will be cleansed.
At the age of 39, in his ninth crack at it and at the end of one of the most improbable, impressive comeback seasons from Tommy John surgery, Verlander finally won a World Series game. And that is why after the Astros exhaled after a nervy 3–2 win over the Phillies in World Series Game 5, the first thing they did was stuff Verlander into a laundry cart, wheel him into the shower room at Citizens Bank Ballpark and salute him with what’s known in the baseball world as a Rookie Shower, the traditional dumping of liquids and foodstuffs on a rookie upon a first win.