Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Astros edge D-backs
Justin Verlander (above) struck out 11 in seven innings and the Houston Astros extended their AL West edge, topping the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4 on Sunday.
HOUSTON — Justin Verlander continued his strong September with another dominating outing Sunday.
Verlander struck out 11 in seven innings and the Houston Astros extended their AL West edge, topping the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4.
“Certainly, in the last couple of months this is his best start,” Houston Manager AJ Hinch said. “He’s had some pretty good ones as an Astro. When he comes out and sets that kind of tone and gets those swings and misses and the strikeouts it’s a pretty special day for us.”
The Astros lead Oakland by 4½ games in the division race. Arizona began the day four games behind in the NL West and 3½ games back for the second NL wild-card spot. Verlander (16-9) allowed one run on three hits.
“I just felt good,” Verlander said. “I had good control of the fastball. Mechanics felt in line; timing felt good. I was able to execute pretty well today.”
He matched his career high for strikeouts in a season with 269. Ver- lander also surpassed 200 innings for the 11th time in his career.
Verlander hasn’t given up more than two runs in any of his three September starts.
Zack Greinke (14-10) allowed 4 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings. He has permitted at least three runs in four consecutive outings.
RED SOX 4, METS 3
Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts left the game after hurting his left side making a throw to home plate during during a victory over the Mets that cut Boston’s magic number to two for a third consecutive AL East title. Betts walked off slowly and was replaced. Boston said Betts has left side soreness and will