New York at Houston

The Houston Astros may have changed their fortune when they went out and got Justin Verlander. It gives them an experienced arm to follow Dallas Keuchel, and a pitcher that can go deep into games. Verlander's career seems to be energized by getting back on a winner, and he is 6-0 since being acquired late in the season. Opponents, including the bullpen, have averaged just one run per game in Verlander's six starts. The Yankees counter with their ace, Luis Severino, who had an epically bad start in his firt postseason appearance, but redeemed himself vs. Cleveland. Severino has not had any success vs. Houston where he has seen Houston garner six and eight runs in his pair of starts against them. Verlander is hot, and the core of the Yankees lineup, Sanchez and Judge, appear to be overmatched by elite pitching in the playoffs. Take Houston.