The Los Angeles Dodgers salvaged the finale of their three-game series with the Houston Astros on Sunday, pulling out a 3-2 victory behind a gutsy performance from rookie right-hander Walker Buehler.
Buehler, after allowing a leadoff home run to George Springer on the first pitch of the game, settled down from that point on and kept the Astros’ lineup in check. He allowed only one more run (coming on another homer) over his next 5.1 innings pitched, striking out eight batters in contrast to two walks.
Buehler’s eight strikeouts matched a career high. While Buehler didn’t receive much run support in the contest, he was nevertheless aided by a two-out, two-RBI double from new teammate Brian Dozier in the bottom of the first inning.
It was Dozier’s first game playing behind Buehler at second base, to which he came away impressed with the 24-year-old’s demeanor on the mound.
After the game, Dozier offered high praise for his new teammate and saw signs of a Justin Verlander comp that Buehler mentioned, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I was asking Walker how he pitches and he said, ‘A lot like [Justin] Verlander.’ He grew up watching Verlander and wanting to be like him,” said Dozier. “His style is very similar. I was impressed. I like how he competes.”
Verlander, a 14-year MLB veteran, is among the sport’s most accomplished starting pitchers since the turn of the decade. That Buehler looks up to him shouldn’t be a surprise, considering the age difference and their similar arsenals.
Buehler had an up-close look at his idol on Friday, when Verlander logged 7.2 innings pitched of one-run ball against the Dodgers.
The 35-year-old struck out a career-high 14 batters on the road and earned his 11th win of the season after limiting Los Angeles to one run, with his lone blemish being a leadoff home run by Joc Pederson in the first frame.
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