Verlander passes Pettitte for 2nd on all-time playoff strikeout list

Justin Verlander has moved one step closer to claiming another piece of baseball history.

The Houston Astros ace tallied his 184th career postseason strikeout early in Game 2 of the ALCS on Sunday, striking out New York Yankees outfielder Cameron Maybin in the third inning to move past Andy Pettitte for the second-most in playoff history.

Verlander came into the game three strikeouts behind Pettitte, who starred for the Yankees and Astros over his 18-year career.

Hall of Famer John Smoltz is now the only pitcher ahead of Verlander on the all-time postseason strikeout list. He struck out 199 batters during the playoffs throughout his storied career.

Verlander, the 2017 ALCS MVP, came into Sunday's start sporting a career 14-8 playoff record with a 3.20 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 9.9 strikeouts per nine innings in 27 postseason appearances. He ranks third all time in playoff wins, one behind Smoltz and four back of Pettitte.

The 36-year-old struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings of work in Game 2, giving him 187 career postseason strikeouts. He left with the game tied 2-2.