The Houston Astros started their ace, Justin Verlander, on three days’ rest Tuesday night hoping he could help them win Game 4 and end the series.
Instead, he was pulled with two outs in the fourth inning after letting the Rays jump out to a 4-0 lead and having thrown 84 pitches.
That’s not what the Astros wanted to see at all from arguably the best pitcher in the game.
Verlander gave up three runs in the first inning, including a solo shot from Tommy Phan. He was then able to work his way out of jam in a scoreless second inning before giving up another solo homer in third to Willy Adames.
He then left in the fourth with two guys on base, but neither of them ended up scoring.
The Trop was rocking when Verlander made his exit:
Life came at Verlander fast in the first inning:
This performance wasn’t like Verlander, who’s used to having success in clinchers:
Fans let him have it:
