Justin Verlander dominated the Tampa Bay Rays over seven strong innings as the Houston Astros took a 1-0 lead in the ALDS. The Astros scored the game's first six runs and defeated the Rays 6-2 at Minute Maid Park.

Verlander, a leading candidate to win the Cy Young in the American League, struck out eight and allowed just one hit on Friday afternoon. Over 100 pitches, he issued three walks.

He improved to 8-0 in 12 career ALDS appearances.

The game was scoreless heading into the bottom of the fifth when Jose Altuve hit a two-run home run to left. The Astros then tacked on a pair of unearned runs thanks to a throwing error by Brandon Lowe.

Houston added two more runs in the seventh before Tampa Bay broke through with an RBI single from Eric Sogard and a run-scoring double by Austin Meadows.

Things won't get much easier for the Rays with Gerrit Cole scheduled to take the mound opposite Blake Snell in Game 2.