11 strikeouts. 11 straight New York Yankees in a row retired by Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Wednesday night. It was another masterclass from Verlander, who even broke an impressive postseason record in the process. After the game, Astros players were thinking of the veteran pitcher's already-impressive Hall of Fame resume. Here's what Justin Verlander's teammates had to say, per Marly Rivera of ESPN.

Astros catcher Martin Maldanado, who had a front row seat for Justin Verlander's impressive outing, said the following, “This is exactly what I expected from him,” Maldonado told ESPN. “That is why he is a Hall of Famer.”

That sums up Verlander's epic performance in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series pretty well. The 39-year-old ace, who has an MVP, two Cy Young awards and 3,198 strikeouts in his illustrious 17-year career, is a certain lock for the Hall of Fame.

Article Continues Below
More Houston Astros News
Houston Astros pitcher Christian Javier (53) pitches in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium.
Astros’ Cristian Javier injury update leaves plenty to be desiredZachary Howell ·
Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park.
Astros’ Lance McCullers reacts to beating Paul Skenes for 1st win since 2022Yasmin Edañol ·
Astros rumors: Jeff Passan lays trade deadline 'fate' at feet of injured star, Yordan Alvarez
Jeff Passan lays trade deadline ‘fate’ at feet of injured Astros starChris Spiering ·
May 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) comes off the field after pitching against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Police reveal source of Lance McCullers death threatsMike Gianakos ·
Houston Astros center fielder Jacob Melton (31) hits a single against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth inning at Daikin Park.
Astros’ star prospect shows off ‘elite speed’ on first career hitYasmin Edañol ·
Mar 11, 2025; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Chas McCormick (20) looks on against the New York Mets during the third inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Astros place outfielder on IL after Yordan Alvarez updateMike Gianakos ·

But after a rough ALDS outing where the Seattle Mariners pounced on him for six earned runs, it's easy to forget that resume of excellence pretty quickly. Yet, Justin Verlander was able to bounce back against a powerful Yankees lineup, with the only blemish a Harrison Bader solo home run.

Said Astros teammate and fellow starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., “I think you saw what a real Hall of Fame pitcher's made of tonight.”

That is exactly what Astros- and Yankees fans- saw on Wednesday night. A Hall of Fame pitcher going to work. Houston now has a 1-game lead in the ALCS because of Verlander.