Justin Verlander and Jared Weaver appeared to be locked into a solid pitching duel but that last just three innings until the Angels got to Verlander. A run in the fourth, a run in the fifth and then three more in the sixth did Verlander in and he needed Zach Miner to get the final out in the sixth inning to stop the damage. He gave up six runs on seven hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Jason Grilli threw two more shutout innings and he hasn’t been credited with a run in his last six outings. The net result is, his ERA has been whittled down to a very respectable 3.29.
The Tigers were held to just five hits and two of them came off the bat off Magglio Ordonez. He also walked twice and scored one of the runs in the 6-2 loss. Ivan Rodriguez doubled and he drove in a run.
Next up are the Yankees. Phillip Hughes throws against Kenny Rogers tomorrow as the Tigers get a much needed day off. It’d sure be nice to see Rogers throw a good game. He’s given up four runs on or more in his previous three starts.