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Verlander embraced playoff pressure in Game 1

Justin Verlander describes how he managed the pressure of performing in the playoffs and wanted to set the tone for the Astros.

Verlander, Altuve lead Astros over Rays 6-2 in ALDS opener

Justin Verlander looked every bit the October ace, Jose Altuve polished his postseason resume and the Houston Astros kept rolling, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 Friday to open their AL Division Series.

Alvarez and Gurriel extend Astros’ lead in the 7th

Yordan Alvarez ropes an RBI single to center, then is followed by Yulie Gurriel, who hits a ground rule double to give the Astros a 6-0 lead.

Altuve cranks 2-run HR to left

Jose Altuve gets the Astros on the board with a two-run home run to left field.

Verlander K’s 8 in win over Rays

Justin Verlander gets off to a hot start in the postseason as he gives up only one hit while striking out eight.

Your ultimate guide to MLB’s October bullpens: Stars, surprises, rankings and more

Relievers have never mattered more than they do right now. Sam Miller breaks down each team’s bullpen, from how it’ll operate in October to its out-of-the-blue stars to its nastiest pitches and beyond.