Rocky start, but once he settled down this was classic Verlander. We've got the Dusty special due up in the 8th.
I don't love Dusty's lineups decisions either but there's plenty of reasons not to "play the best possible lineup" in any particular game. Long season with presumption of playing a full 7th month of baseball later. Lots of injuries on both the hitting and pitching side Shortened off-season (long playoff run plus WBC) Lots of younger players who are approaching their innings/games played limits (H. Brown, JP France, Y Diaz) Getting the bench guys semi-regular playing time. Etc... When things are going well, Dusty's moves make a lot of sense. When things are going poorly they don't. The logic doesn't change whether the Astros are winning or losing. And I 100% standby the opinion that getting mad at the 7-8-9 hitters when the 1-5 hitters **** the bed is nothing but blame shifting.
Great game for JV. Pitched deep and gave up few. Just what we needed. Now, let's get him the win. Or, just win
