Astros ace Justin Verlander remains well on his way to Cooperstown. But somewhat surprisingly, still missing from his distinguished 17-year career résumé is a World Series victory.

Verlander cruised through the first three innings of Game 1 of the World Series, retiring the first 10 batters he faced, but the magic of the perfect game ended when Rhys Hoskins hit a single in the top of the fourth inning.

And then everything unraveled.

"Disappointing," Verlander said in describing his performance Friday night. "My team gave me a five-run lead, and I wasn't able to hold it. I feel really confident that 99% of the time that I'm able to hold that lead, and unfortunately today I wasn't."