VERLANDER DOMINATES, ASTROS CLINCH
Minutes before the August 31st trade deadline, when the Houston Astros traded for Justin Verlander, they envisioned their new man taking them to and through the AL West. Now, the former-Detroiter hath taken them personally to, and through's prospects are looking good. His Saturday start against Seattle included 10 strike-outs in six innings, culminating in a 7-1 tally and the 'stros first pennant since 2001.
Thus, Verlander improved his three start Houston-based record to 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA and 26 Ks in 21 innings, compared to 3 BB. This was his first new-home hurling. Verlander's looking likely to take the mound in Game 1 of the ALDS.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch: "Did you expect anything less? The story is almost too good to be true. We trade for him for this exact reason, to come up in big moments. He was locked in from the very beginning. There's nobody better to have on the mound and nobody better to celebrate with."
SAUNDERS vs MONROE
In Saturday's London awkward battle of southpaws, Billy Joe Saunders weather'd a clash of heads storm leaving a cut to his forehead and nose in its wake and in the fight's 5th. Willie Monroe Jr. thankfully never pressed the matter, nor any matter -- till the 11th stanza. Then followed a fair bit a' action in the 12th. This ended in a UD 117-111, 115-114 and 117-112 retention of Saunders' WBO Middleweight crown.
Billy Joe was hoping to next be completely over-whelmed by the Gennady Golovkin - Saul Alvarez victor. That seems improbable in light of a nigh mandated rematch of their draw. "Sorry for punching you in the nuts." Said Billy's brat to Monroe, re: his weigh-in transgressions.
BRAIN DEAD AT 73
No, this is not the title of a new Floridian anthem. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, famously infamous pro wrestling manager-cum-commentator, died yesterday at the age of 73. Since '02, the performer also known as "Weasel" had been battling throat cancer.
Heenan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 on the strength of his schtick for the ages. Too, due to his involvements with stars the likes 'a: Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, Paul Orndorff, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect and Harley Race.
IN ADDITION:
For more schtick a' this ilk, audio style:
"Peeing in the Fridge" Kaplowitz Radio: September 17, 2017