Orioles 1, Tigers 0: Justin Verlander's complete game not enough

For the second start in a row, Justin Verlander was excellent. The Detroit Tigers’ starter surrendered just one run over eight innings, but the offense was essentially useless as the Tigers endured a 1-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.

The first couple innings looked similar to the night before, as the Tigers got men on base but struggled to bring them home. J.D. Martinez and Victor Martinez both singled in the first inning and Steven Moya doubled before James McCann walked in the second, but Chris Tillman was able to work around both jams.

Verlander started out just as sharp, keeping the game scoreless on his end as well. The Orioles managed six base runners through the first five innings via three singles, two walks, and a hit batter, but Verlander was in command and ended each frame with no damage done.

Ian Kinsler led off the third inning with a single but was later thrown out attempting to move up on a pitch in the dirt. Tillman really settled in after that and retired the next ten batters before walking Miguel Cabrera in the sixth, keeping the Tigers off the board.

The Orioles struck first in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring the game’s only run. Adam Jones hit a one-out solo shot to left-center, giving Baltimore a 1-0 lead. The Tigers made an attempt to tie the game in the very next frame, but Tillman stranded Nick Castellanos at second after a leadoff double.

After giving up the run in the sixth inning, Verlander shook it off to pitch two more scoreless frames. Unfortunately, the Tigers could do no damage against the Orioles’ bullpen as Darren O’Day and Zach Britton closed out the game. Verlander gave up just four hits in an eight-inning complete game, as the Tigers drop a heartbreaker.

ROARS:

Justin Verlander: The Tigers' ace produced another great start, going eight innings while striking out eight and allowing just one run.

HISSES:

Justin Upton: Another rough night, going 0-for-4 with three more strikeouts

The Tigers offense: Only five hits on the night and 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position

STREAKS AND STATS:

• James McCann threw out his sixth attempted base stealer of the season during the third inning
• Verlander’s eight home runs allowed this year match the total from his final 17 starts of 2015
• Steven Moya’s double in the second inning was the first of his major league career

WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:

Source: FanGraphs