The Houston Astros sent Justin Verlander to the mound in Game 4 to close out the ALDS, but the Tampa Bay Rays had other ideas.

The Rays scored three runs off Verlander in the bottom of the first inning and Willy Adames added the knockout blow with a solo home run in the fourth. Pitching on short rest, Verlander struck out five over 3 2/3 innings. He walked three and gave up seven hits.

Houston's bullpen shut down Tampa Bay for the rest of the game, but the damage was done.

The Astros managed just six hits. Robinson Chirinos connected for a solo home run in the eighth for the club's only run of the game.

The Rays used a combination of six pitchers in the contest.

While they scored enough, Tampa Bay left a lot of offense on the table. They went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 13 on base.

Game 5 is Thursday in Houston with Tyler Glasnow and Gerrit Cole on the mound.