MLB starters who dominated in September pennant races

Throughout MLB history, select starting pitchers have assumed heavy workloads during September to secure playoff spots for their teams. Justin Verlander provided critical stability for the 2017 Houston Astros, posting a 5-0 record and a 1.06 ERA across five starts following a late-season trade. Similarly, Rick Sutcliffe proved instrumental for the 1984 Chicago Cubs by recording 16 wins over 20 starts, ending the franchise's long postseason drought. Randy Johnson bolstered the 1998 Houston Astros with a 10-1 record and a 1.28 ERA after being acquired from Seattle. Orel Hershiser delivered a historic stretch for the 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers, throwing 55 consecutive scoreless innings in September. These performances illustrate how individual efforts on the mound can reshape a team’s postseason trajectory during the final month of the regular season.

• 12:20 PMYahoo Sports — Stretch-run aces: 5 pitchers who carried September on their shoulders