UPDATE: In a dramatic showcase of endurance and skill, Justin Verlander secured his 265th career victory on Sunday, throwing a staggering 121 pitches in just five innings during the San Francisco Giants‘ emphatic 13-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Verlander, 42, struck out 10 batters, marking his first double-digit strikeout game since August 23, 2022. The performance comes as a much-needed boost for the veteran pitcher, who faced a challenging season with a current record of 3-10 and an earned run average (ERA) of 4.29.
Despite the high pitch count, Giants’ manager Bob Melvin was resolute in keeping Verlander on the mound. “He didn’t want to hear anything about coming out of the game,” Melvin stated, emphasizing the lesson to be learned from Verlander’s tenacity. The pitch count was the second-highest in the majors this season, surpassed only by Cleveland’s Gavin Williams, who threw 126 pitches earlier this month.
Verlander’s dominance on the mound was evident as he allowed only three hits and four walks, proving his mettle despite the criticism often directed at modern pitching limits. “It’s hard for me because, especially the old school in me is, it’s only five innings. I’m not sure I go home and say that was a great start,” Verlander commented after the game, reflecting on the effort required to achieve this milestone.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks Verlander’s second consecutive win after a long stretch of winless outings since joining the Giants in the offseason. Previously, he had faced a daunting 16-start winless streak. His recent success also follows a win against the Chicago Cubs earlier this week, signaling a potential turnaround for the seasoned pitcher.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this performance ignites a resurgence in Verlander’s season. With the Giants currently in a critical stretch of games, every win counts as they aim for postseason contention. As Verlander continues to defy age and expectations, his story remains a compelling narrative in the world of baseball.
Stay tuned for more updates on Verlander’s journey as he attempts to climb higher in the ranks of baseball’s all-time greats.
