Yankees' Championship Run Depends on Overcoming Justin Verlander's Dominance

In Game 1 of the ALCS, the Yankees proved why they're a serious threat to win the World Series, dominating the Astros 7-0 at Minute Maid Park. Their reward? A Game 2 meeting against the one and only Justin Verlander.

JV, one of the greatest hurlers of his generation and a future Hall of Famer, has been simply sensational of late. To close out the regular season, he won six of his final seven starts, posting a 21-6 mark and a 2.58 ERA for the season. But that doesn't mean he can't be taken down.

In fact, the Yankees have to prove they can take him down if they meant to position themselves as World Series favorites.

Just last week in Game 4 of the ALDS against Tampa Bay, Verlander sure did struggle, giving up four runs on seven hits in just 3.2 innings of work. Yes, I know he was only on three days' rest, but don't take anything away from the TB bats.

They lit up Verlander. Can the Yanks do the same? Many figured Zach Greinke would continue his dominance against NY in Game 1; well, the Bronx Bombers had other ideas:

Now, they'll look to keep the fans in Houston quiet by taking it to Verlander as well. Will they be able to get the job done and do the unthinkable of taking a 2-0 series lead on the road? We're about to find out.