BREAKING: Justin Verlander has just secured his265th career win after a gritty performance against the Baltimore Orioles, throwing an astounding121 pitches in just five innings. The game, held onAugust 6, 2023, saw the San Francisco Giants dominate with a 13-2 victory, marking a significant moment in Verlander’s challenging season.
At42 years old, Verlander struck out10 batters and allowed only three hits, showcasing his enduring skill despite a tough year that has seen him struggle with a 3-10 record. Giants’ managerBob Melvin praised Verlander’s determination, stating,
“In a day you feel like you’re penalizing someone if they throw 100 pitches… he didn’t want to hear anything about coming out of the game.”
The Giants built a commanding7-0 lead by the fifth inning, prompting the coaching staff to keep Verlander on the mound despite his escalating pitch count. His final strikeouts ofGunnar Henderson andRyan Mountcastle solidified his spot for the win, a feat that required notable perseverance.
This outing marks Verlander’s second consecutive win, having previously triumphed over the Chicago Cubs earlier in the week. Notably, it was his first game with double-digit strikeouts sinceAugust 23, 2022, and his pitch count was the second highest in the majors this season, only trailingGavin Williams‘s126 pitches against the New York Mets.
Verlander’s ERA improved to4.29 as he continues to adapt after joining the Giants in the offseason. Reflecting on his performance, he remarked,
“I’m not sure I go home and say that was a great start. End of day, I think they did a great job battling off good pitches and fouling off stuff.”
As the season progresses, fans will be closely watching Verlander for more remarkable performances. With his experience and competitive spirit, he remains a pivotal figure for the Giants as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Verlander’s journey and the Giants’ upcoming games.
