AN ACE IN THE HOLE

Establishing himself as one of the majors’ best arms, Framber Valdez set a single-season MLB record with 25 consecutive quality starts, then won World Series games 2 and 6

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VICTORIES: Among MLB pitchers, Valdez was surpassed only by the Braves’ Kyle Wright (21) and teammate Justin Verlander (18).

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POSTSEASON WINS: Upping his career total to seven, Valdez passed Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez for most by a Dominican pitcher.

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INNINGS: Valdez was the No. 1 workhorse in the American League and ranked fifth in the majors.

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ERA: Sixth in the AL, the lefthander was even better in the postseason, posting a 1.44 figure in a club-high 25 innings.

Brett Coomer/Staff photographer With three postseason wins, including the World Series clncher, Framber Valdez upped his career total to seven, passing Pedro Martinez for most by a Dominican.