Justin Verlander was in his usual form in the Tigers 6-1 win over the Nationals.  He gave up six hits and a walk in six shutout innings with seven strikeouts in the win.  With about a week and a half left until Opening Day, Verlander will probably get one more start but he’s been sharp all spring and he sports a 0.98 ERA.  Let’s hope this carries over into the start of the season because the last few years he’s gotten off to mediocre starts.

Ryan Perry gave up a solo home run and that was the lone run the Nationals got against the Tigers.  Fu-Te Ni and Brad Thomas each threw a shutout inning a piece to close out the game.    Ni has been sharp this spring and after being mostly written off, he may have a chance to break with the team.

Don Kelly went two for four with two RBIs and a run.  Ryan Raburn went two for four with a run and a walk while Danny Worth doubled and drove in two runs.

Phil Coke gets the start this afternoon against the Astros.  He’s had a pretty good spring as well.  Brayan Villereal, Joaquin Benoit, Jose Valverde and Enrique Gonzalez are all expected to pitch.  The Tigers pitching has been getting done and their 2.68 spring ERA is best amongst American League teams.  Justin Verlander (second), Phil Coke (eighth) and Rick Porcello (tenth) are all in the Grapefruit League top ten as far as ERA.  Game time is 1:05 and you can listen in to the Astros broadcast if you have Gameday Audio.

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