If there is a blemish on the stellar resume of Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander, it is this: in seven career World Series starts with two franchises, Verlander is 0-6 with a 5.68 ERA.
That mark seems incongruous with everything Verlander has accomplished. He is a surefire Hall of Famer and arguably the best pitcher of his generation, yet success in the postseason has eluded him.
Verlander will make his eighth World Series start on Friday when the Astros face the visiting Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1.