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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It was a back-and-forth race between Houston Astros teammates, but in the end, Justin Verlander came out on top as the 2019 AL Cy Young Award winner.
Verlander bested Gerrit Cole and former Astros teammate Charlie Morton to earn his second honor as the American League’s best pitcher.
Verlander won in 2011.
Greg Bailey✔@GregBailey13
You don’t often hear Justin Verlander deeply touched by an accomplishment. He calls his 2nd Cy Young “truly unbelievable.” You could hear the emotion in his voice. #Astros
Verlander’s season included 300 strikeouts and his third career no-hitter.
This award marks the fourth time an Astro has won the Cy Young Award. Dallas Keuchel won the AL award in 2015. Mike Scott and Roger Clemens won the NL award in 1986 and 2004, respectively.
The 36-year-old went 21-6 in 2019 to go with a 2.58 ERA.
When the votes were counted, Verlander and Cole were close. But with 17 first-place votes to 13 for Cole, J.V. came out on top.
Verlander joins Yordan Alvarez as Astros players with the top postseason awards. Alvarez was named the AL Rookie of the Year. Alex Bregman could take home the AL MVP when that award is announced Thursday.