LEADING OFF: Verlander-Sale in the ALCS, Brews is trying to lead 2-0



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Look at what's going on around the majors today:

ACES ABOUND

Justin Verlander and the World Series champion Houston Astros will face Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale in a pivotal duel for the start of the AL Championship Series at Fenway Park.

The All-Stars met twice last year in the AL Division series. They started face-to-face in the first game and both worked in relief during the mid-rounds of the fourth game.

Verlander (16-9, 2.52) led the AL with 290 strikeouts and defeated Cleveland in the ALDS last week. Sale (12-4, 2.11) began and was relieved against the Yankees in the ALDS.

Also familiar with each other: Alex Cora, the manager of the Red Sox, and the Astros. He was the coach of Houston last year during the race to conquer the title.

MILES AND MILES

Wade Miley was a left-handed companion when he signed a minor league contract with the Brewers early in the spring training. He got injured early in the season, spent a lot of time in Double-A and hopes he'll have the chance to contribute.

Miley is back, delivered and must start the second game of the NL championship series as the Brewers attempt to take a 2-0 lead over the Dodgers at Miller Park. Hyun-Jin Ryu exhibits for Los Angeles.

REMEMBER ME?

J.D. Martinez wishes to thank the Astros – and not blame them – for releasing him while he was struggling. The Red Sox slugger said his growing pains in Houston had taught him "how to fail," a lesson he credits to turning him into a MVP nominee who helped Boston to win a record-breaking record. team of 108 games.

Martinez made his league debut for Houston in 2011 in 28 races in his first full month in the major. After playing part-time for the next two years, he was 26 years old and beat .167 in the spring of 2014 when the Astros released him, preferring to leave the maneuvering to the best prospect George Springer.

Martinez landed in Detroit that season and in 2015 he was All-Star. He totaled 45 homers last year with the Tigers and Arizona, then averaged .330 with 43 homers and 130 points from the major league.

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