CLEVELAND – Justin Verlander gave up three runs in six innings for his 262nd win and the AL West champion Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday night.

Verlander (5-6), who gave up seven hits and struck out five without a walk, won for the second time in three starts and lowered his ERA to 5.48. For the right-hander, who was out for two months due to neck problems, it was the longest outing since May 29th.

“I worked hard for it and it was probably the best I’ve felt since coming back,” the likely Hall of Famer said. “I am realistic. I know I haven’t been as sharp as I need to be, but I feel like I’m slowly moving in the right direction.”

José Ramírez hit his 39th home run and drove in three runs for the AL Central champion Guardians, making him just one home run away from becoming the seventh player in major league history with 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season . He has already recorded 41 steals this season.

“Ramírez is such an incredible hitter, you have to take your hat off to him,” said Verlander, who is 24-24 with a 4.42 ERA in 57 career starts against Cleveland. “It wasn’t a bad pitch and he made it. It’s impressive.”

The Guardians’ loss gave the New York Yankees, who lost 9-4 to the Pirates, home field advantage in the AL playoffs. Both teams have byes in the first round.

Shawn Dubin pitched a scoreless ninth with his second save. Houston hosts either Detroit or Kansas City in the best-of-three AL Wild Card Series starting Tuesday.

Verlander, 41, ranks 40th in career wins and would be part of the rotation if selected to Houston’s postseason squad, manager Joe Espada said.

“There was a real intent tonight to show that he can really deliver – and he did,” Espada said. “He threw the ball really, really well, even hitting Ramírez at 97 miles per hour.”

Verlander said he has not been told whether he will wear the uniform when the playoffs begin.

“I don’t know, that’s a conversation we’ll have with Joe for sure,” he said.

Zach Dezenzo had an RBI single in the first inning and Jon Singleton walked with the bases loaded during Houston’s three-run second inning. A throwing error by Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio ended the final two runs.

Ramírez hit a two-run home run in the first and a sacrifice fly in the third. The six-time All-Star third baseman doubled in the eighth to reach his 1,500th. Career goal.

“It was an incredible year watching Josey, it was so much fun,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “It’ll be fun to see what happens tomorrow.”

Guardians starter Ben Lively (13-10) pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs and two unearned runs.

TRAINER ROOM

Astros: OF Yordan Alvarez (right knee sprain) was fitted with a brace and was able to resume baseball activities on Sunday. Alvarez last appeared in a game on September 22nd.

Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (right third finger blister) reported no problems after a bullpen session at Progressive Field. He is scheduled to host a simulated game on Sunday.

NEXT

Astros RHP Ryan Gusto will likely be promoted from the taxi squad and make his major league debut in the regular season finale. Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86 ERA) will serve as the primary facilitator behind RHP Nick Sandlin.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb