LEADING OFF: Verlander aims for 7th win in row, Acuña ailing
![<i></i><br/>](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/06/RaJNk2xK-kmiz-sports.png)
By The Associated Press
Astros ace Justin Verlander has been as dominant as ever in his return from Tommy John surgery, going 6-1 with a 1.22 ERA in eight starts. Verlander has a 19-inning scoreless streak and hasn’t allowed a run in his last three outings. The 39-year-old righty didn’t pitch last season while recovering from his elbow operation. The eight-time All-Star is already 2-0 this season against the Mariners — he’ll face them again in Seattle as he tries to win his seventh straight decision overall.