~2022 MLB Thread~

[ELA]

Justin Verlander has a reputation as a big-game pitcher in the postseason -- mostly based on two dominant performances against the Yankees in the 2017 ALCS. His World Series history, however, is another matter: He entered this game 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA in seven career starts. That's the third-worst ERA among pitchers who have started at least five World Series games. Early on, however, he's cruising: Nine up and nine down through three innings with four strikeouts, including a three-pitch strikeout of Bryce Harper when he got Harper to swing and miss at three straight fastballs at the top of the zone.

and then................. gave up 5 runs to stay right at his average

He had a couple ALDS performances against Oakland too.  I think he had a Game 5 complete game shutout in Oakland one year

[OrangeAfroMan]

Justin Verlander has a reputation as a big-game pitcher in the postseason -- mostly based on two dominant performances against the Yankees in the 2017 ALCS. His World Series history, however, is another matter: He entered this game 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA in seven career starts. That's the third-worst ERA among pitchers who have started at least five World Series games. Early on, however, he's cruising: Nine up and nine down through three innings with four strikeouts, including a three-pitch strikeout of Bryce Harper when he got Harper to swing and miss at three straight fastballs at the top of the zone.

and then................. gave up 5 runs to stay right at his average

Another small sample size outcome.
Of any collection of pitchers, someone has to be 3rd-worst in ERA, why not him?
Kershaw's postseason issues are a known thing.  Does it mean either isn't all-time great?  Does it mean you'd choose Livan Hernandez for a World Series game 7 over Verlander? 
I hope that was a rhetorical question......
.
People tend to go with their initial reactions to things too long.  Remember when Bob Stoops was known as Big-Game Bob?  That didn't help him against LSU or USC or Florida in BCSNCGs.  You get a reputation, live on it longer than you should, until people catch up and change their opinion.  

[FearlessF]

I'd go with Verlander as soon as he's available

[slugsrbad]

Less good game 2… but I’ll take the split with our ace starters showing huge nerves. 

[Gigem]

Phillies hammered the Astros in game 3. Home run city. Don’t know what was going on with McCullers. 

[longhorn320]

Phillies hammered the Astros in game 3. Home run city. Don’t know what was going on with McCullers.

They sure beat the hell out of us

hope we can win at least 1 of the next 2

[slugsrbad]

Phillies hammered the Astros in game 3. Home run city. Don’t know what was going on with McCullers.

Almost felt bad for the kid.  He was just left out to dry when it was obvious the Phils were clued in on his stuff.   Obviously I enjoyed the outcome.  Two more to go!

[ELA]

Almost felt bad for the kid.  He was just left out to dry when it was obvious the Phils were clued in on his stuff.  Obviously I enjoyed the outcome.  Two more to go!

Yeah, Dusty handled this like a July 27 game where your starter just has to eat some innings.  Made zero sense

[MarqHusker]

plenty of scouts in the basement offering pitch tipping clips from tonight.   

[slugsrbad]

What a strange dichotomy between the two games.  Six outs away from being no hit. 

[slugsrbad]

no-hit complete, mentally exhausting.. Bo7 now a Bo3

[ELA]

What a strange dichotomy between the two games.  Six outs away from being no hit.

Hate that they took him out.  It was 5-0

[MarqHusker]

Philly in command now, Verlander on the bump for 5!

Bummer it had to be combined but, this is 2022 not 1922.   Lots of alternating haymakers landing in this series, despite only one tight game.  

[longhorn320]

Philly in command now, Verlander on the bump for 5!

yep Astros dont have a chance