I hate to keep repeating myself, but this is all about Justin Verlander.
The Tigers ace has picked up the slack in the absence of his teammates bats, which showed signs of life early, but have been quiet due to good pitching from A’s starter Jarrod Parker.
The Tigers have just five hits through six innings.
But Verlander has eight strikeouts while surrendering just two hits and walking one on 88 pitches.
I’m not sure if he’ll be able to finish the game, but I wouldn’t bet against it. Tigers Manager Jim Leyland can’t have much faith in closer Jose Valverde after last night’s blown save.
If anybody can throw 130+ pitches in a complete game, it’s Verlander.
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