The Houston Astros have had plenty of control, whether on the road or at home, over their own division this season. They continued that success over the AL West on Saturday against the struggling Los Angeles Angels. Justin Verlander struck out 11 over six shutout innings in the Astros' 7-0 shutout win at Angel Stadium.
Verlander was supported by George Springer's grand slam in the sixth, while Josh Reddick also went deep in that same inning, as Houston improved to 20 games over .500 away from Minute Maid Park. The win for the right-hander snapped a six-start winless streak, as he walked two and gave up five hits before getting pulled after throwing 92 pitches. It was his 10th win of the year overall, as he overcame giving up four home runs to the Detroit Tigers last Sunday.
Springer's fifth-career grand slam helped him break out of a recent run-production slump, as he had only driven in five runs in the past 24 games. The long ball helped extend the Astros 2-0 lead, as they earned their fourth win in the past five games to extend their best start in franchise history at 66-35. Saturday was also their 10th shutout victory of the season, tying them with the Boston Red Sox for the most in the American League.
Verlander is no stranger to success in Anaheim, as he has now thrown 23 consecutive scoreless innings in his past three starts at Angel Stadium. That includes a five-hit shutout at May 16th, as he has already beaten the Angels three times this season. Saturday's victory was his first since June 14th, but he was still able to set career highs with strikeouts, ERA, and opponent batting average at the All-Star break. Only one runner reached third base for the Angels during Saturday's outing.
With the Seattle Mariners' 5-0 shutout loss to the Chicago White Sox, Houston now holds a six-game lead in the AL West. They can complete the sweep of the Angels, who now sit a game under .500, on Sunday afternoon.
Verlander was supported by George Springer's grand slam in the sixth, while Josh Reddick also went deep in that same inning, as Houston improved to 20 games over .500 away from Minute Maid Park. The win for the right-hander snapped a six-start winless streak, as he walked two and gave up five hits before getting pulled after throwing 92 pitches. It was his 10th win of the year overall, as he overcame giving up four home runs to the Detroit Tigers last Sunday.
Springer's fifth-career grand slam helped him break out of a recent run-production slump, as he had only driven in five runs in the past 24 games. The long ball helped extend the Astros 2-0 lead, as they earned their fourth win in the past five games to extend their best start in franchise history at 66-35. Saturday was also their 10th shutout victory of the season, tying them with the Boston Red Sox for the most in the American League.
Verlander is no stranger to success in Anaheim, as he has now thrown 23 consecutive scoreless innings in his past three starts at Angel Stadium. That includes a five-hit shutout at May 16th, as he has already beaten the Angels three times this season. Saturday's victory was his first since June 14th, but he was still able to set career highs with strikeouts, ERA, and opponent batting average at the All-Star break. Only one runner reached third base for the Angels during Saturday's outing.
With the Seattle Mariners' 5-0 shutout loss to the Chicago White Sox, Houston now holds a six-game lead in the AL West. They can complete the sweep of the Angels, who now sit a game under .500, on Sunday afternoon.
