record of eight consecutive strikeouts in the game. Verlander concluded his 2022 campaign with an 18–4 record, 1.75 ERA, and 185 strikeouts in 175 innings pitched. In twelve starts that followed an Astro loss, Verlander went 9–0 with an 1.11 ERA. He led all the Major Leagues in ERA, WHIP (0.829), and BAA (.186) while leading the American League in wins. He won his first ERA title since his 2011 MVP campaign while setting a career-best, and posted the lowest qualifying ERA over a non-shortened season in the AL (excluding 2020) since Pedro Martinez' 1.74 mark in 2000. His ERA was also the lowest achieved in history for a pitcher over the age of 39 making at least 25 starts. Following the regular season, the Houston chapter of the BBWAA recognized Verlander as the Houston Astros' Pitcher of the Year, the third time he had won the award, and third in three full seasons with the club. He was selected for a third Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher, and first for AL Comeback Player. In Game 1 of the 2022 ALCS, Verlander struck out eleven over six innings in a 4–2 win versus the New York Yankees. His eighth double-digit strikeout effort in the postseason, it set a major league record. Starting in the third inning, he struck out a postseason record-tying six consecutive hitters, repeating an achievement of his in Game 3 of the 2013 ALCS. Verlander allowed five earned runs in Game 1 of the 2022 World Series, giving him a career 6.07 ERA in World Series games, the highest among pitchers with a minimum of 30 innings pitched in the World Series. Later in Game 5 of the series, Verlander allowed one earned run over five innings pitched and also striking out six. The Astros would end up winning 3–2, giving Verlander his first career World Series win and 16th postseason win (2nd most in MLB history after passing John Smoltz); he had eight previous World Series starts without winning, posting an 0–6 record before that night, the worst record for any pitcher before winning his first World Series game. The Astros would go on to defeat the Phillies in six games giving Verlander his second World Series ring. On November 10, Verlander opted out of his player option with the Astros and became a free agent. He was awarded the Cy Young by unanimous