Springer’s 10th HR backs Verlander in Astros’ W

One day after the Astros’ Gerrit Cole struck out eight batters in six innings in Tuesday’s series opener, Justin Verlander held the Giants to one run and three hits while striking out nine in six innings to lead Houston to a two-game series sweep. Verlander (6-2) retired the first nine batters he faced on Wednesday before Gorkys Hernandez hit a triple to center and scored on a Buster Posey sac fly. George Springer rocketed his team-leading 10th homer of the season and Correa added an RBI single to drive Giants starter Jeff Samardzija (1-3) from the game after 4 2/3 innings.