Yet Another Postseason Win Cements Justin Verlander as Most Effortlessly Dominant Playoff Ace Ever

There's no-doubt that Justin Verlander is headed to Cooperstown when his career is over.

But with a great showing in the 2019 playoffs, Verlander has the chance to claim the title of best postseason ace in baseball history.

Incredibly enough, Verlander may have cemented that role after a dominant outing in Game 1 of the ALDS matchup between Houston and Tampa Bay.

In seven shutout innings on Friday, the 36-year-old allowed one hit, struck out eight and walked three.

In the process, he picked up his 14th career postseason victory, tying Tom Glavine for third most all-time. Verlander also passed Roger Clemens for sole possession of third-place for career postseason strikeouts.

In his career, Verlander has pitched almost 160 innings in the postseason over numerous appearances, including three trips to the World Series.

Even more indicative of his October greatness, Friday was Verlander's ninth career Game 1 start. This shows that Verlander has not only been great, but also a leader of postseason rotations throughout his 15-year career.

With two years left on his contract and on a team that is in great position to dominate for years to come, Verlander may have several more chances to add to his legendary postseason stats.