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Justin Verlander’s arm and bat helped power the Detroit Tigers to a series win over the Colorado Rockies. It was the first series win by the Tigers since their seires against the Yankees in the Bronx early this month in the Bronx. Impresively, the Tigers offense ran well despite Brad Ausmus resting Ian Kinsler and Miguel Cabrera.
The Tigers got on the board early as noted Tigers slugger Justin Verlander stepped to the plate with two on in the top of the second inning and drove a ball back through the middle for his first career RBI. Nicholas Castellanos blasted his 19th home run of the year on a solo shot in the third. But it was James McCann who would deliver the big blow in the top of the fifth with a three-run moonshot to left that staked the Tigers to a five run lead.
That was more than enough for Justin, who was dealing on the mound today. He went six innings, giving up just a solo home run in the sixth to Charlie Blackmon and finished with just three hits, one walk and nine strikeouts. Drew VerHagen, Alex Wilson, and Shane Greene would close out the game allowing just one run.
The Tigers now will take a liesurely trip back home with a needed off day tomorrow, before starting a series with AL central leading Cleveland Indians.
ROARS:
Justin Verlander - Must see JV was on display for his latest final start as a Tigers, again.
Nicholas Castellanos - Collected two extra base hits with a homer and a double.
James McCann, had only one hit but it was a big one, and more importantly against another RHP.
HISSES:
None. A series win is not to be skoffed at.
STREAKS AND INFO:
Verlander’s RBI in the second was his first career RBI in his eleven year MLB career. He now sits just 1,804 RBI behind Ty Cobb for the all time franchise lead.
Since July 8th, Verlander has put together eleven starts averaging just shy of even innings an outing and pitching to a 2.31 ERA.
With his 19th home run, Nicholas Castellanos reached a career high, surpasing his 18 dingerz last year.