In the third inning, Justin Verlander still hasn’t had a quick inning — 18 pitches in the third — but got another big strikeout of Brandon Moss to end the inning. Verlander has allowed a runner on in each inning (walks in the first two innings and a double by Stephen Drew in the third), but has settled down, seemingly.
His pitch count is up to 61 in just three frames and unless he gets a couple of easy innings, he may not last into the seventh or eighth and give way to the bullpen. The Tigers’ defense has been solid so far bu the offense hasn’t gotten going yet.
Verlander has reached 99 mph with his fastball but is getting into too many full counts against the A’s hitters.
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