Justin Verlander pitched for six innings, allowing three runs, and secured his 262nd career victory as the Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday night. José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians hit his 39th home run and stole his 41st base, also collecting three RBIs, putting him on the verge of achieving 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season, a feat only six players in MLB history have accomplished.

The loss for Cleveland ensured that the New York Yankees would have home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs, while the Guardians settled for the second-place spot, guaranteeing them a first-round bye along with the Yankees.

Shawn Dubin earned his second save by pitching a scoreless ninth inning for Houston. The Astros are set to host either the Detroit Tigers or the Kansas City Royals in the AL Wild Card Series starting on Tuesday.

Verlander, with a record of 5-6 this season, gave up seven hits, struck out five, and did not issue a walk. His performance helped lower his ERA to 5.48. Verlander, at 41 years old, is ranked 40th in career victories. Manager Joe Espada expressed that Verlander would be considered for the postseason roster as a starting pitcher, without any plans to assign him a different role.

Zach Dezenzo and Jon Singleton contributed to Houston’s early lead with an RBI single and a bases-loaded walk during the second inning. Ramírez of the Guardians responded with a two-run homer in the first inning and added a sacrifice fly in the third. In the eighth inning, he hit a double, marking his 1,500th career hit.

Guardians’ starter Ben Lively (13-10) pitched for four innings, giving up two earned and two unearned runs. In terms of injuries, Houston’s Yordan Alvarez is recovering from a right knee sprain and might resume baseball activities soon. The Guardians’ Alex Cobb, dealing with a finger blister, is progressing well and is expected to be a key part of the rotation in the ALDS.

In the upcoming games, Astros’ RHP Ryan Gusto is anticipated to make his major league debut in the next match, while Guardians’ RHP Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86 ERA) is scheduled to work as the bulk reliever behind an undisclosed starting pitcher.

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