VIDEO: Rays Skipper Kevin Cash Has Great Response to Question About Justin Verlander's Game 1 Outing
By Kevin Aquino
Rays manager Kevin Cash had a simple explanation when it came to the end result of first game of the ALDS, and it had everything to do with Astros pitcher Justin Verlander. Tampa Bay managed to get one hit in the entire game against Verlander, who was the story of Houston's 6-2 victory.
Kevin Cash: “We got Verlandered.” pic.twitter.com/SKCz07QOEK
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 4, 2019
Cash just said it how it is.
We knew that Verlander would impose his will in the playoffs as one of the very best players in the MLB with the eight-time All-Star leading the league in wins, WHIP and innings pitched. But doing it so early in the postseason has to suck the morale out of the Rays.
And it won't get much easier in Game 2.
Astros beat the Rays, 6-2, in Game 1 of the ALDS behind seven scoreless from Verlander and a big homer from Altuve.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) October 4, 2019
Now, the Astros turn to Gerrit Cole in Game 2. He’s 16-0 with a 1.78 ERA in his last 22 starts. Houston has won each of his last 13 starts.
The Rays will surely have their hands full with Gerrit Cole for Game 2 in Houston, but Cash and the rest of Tampa Bay can look at the bright side: at least they won't be getting Verlander'd tomorrow.