Detroit Tigers dominated by Houston Astros, Justin Verlander in 17-4 loss; Thread recap
Detroit Tigers (59-70) vs. Houston Astros (73-58)
When: 1:40 p.m.
Where: Comerica Park in Detroit.
TV: Bally Sports Detroit.
Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1) in Detroit (Tigers radio affiliates).
Starting pitchers: Tigers RHP Alex Faedo (2-4, 4.91 ERA) vs. Astros RHP Justin Verlander (9-6, 3.19 ERA).
Tigers lineup:
2B Andy Ibáñez
LF Riley Greene
DH Miguel Cabrera
CF Parker Meadows
SS Javier Báez
Game notes: For the second time this season, Justin Verlander will be pitching at Comerica Park for a visiting team. It still doesn't feel right.
The last time Verlander was in the Mitten State, the question many people were asking was 'Will Verlander get inducted into the Hall of Fame in Tigers or Astros gear?'
After his trade back to the Astros at the halfway point, there's certainly a case that the debate is closer than ever, especially if he and the Astros figure out a way to win another World Series. Three World Series to zero would be tough to overcome. Nevertheless, Verlander will get to try and redeem his start earlier this year at Comerica Park, which was actually his debut with the Mets. In typical Verlander fashion, the Tigers hit back-to-back home runs off their former star in the first inning before he eventually settled in and held the team scoreless the rest of the way. The two runs were enough for the Tigers as they held on for a 2-0 win and a series sweep over the New York Mets.
THROWBACK: Why it's both cool and cruel to see Verlander and Scherzer back in Detroit — with the Mets
As Tigers fans know, Verlander doesn't take too well to losing. With 20 starts now under his belt, expect a better Verlander this time around. Verlander was dominant in July, posting a 4-1 record and a 1.69 ERA, which was good enough for the Astors to part ways with one of their best prospects to bring back their longtime ace on a bargain of a contract. Since returning to the Astros, Verlander has won three of his four starts and has a 3.38 ERA. It's not as good as his 1.75 (!!!) ERA in his Cy Young-winning season last year, but he's got a 2.61 ERA since the All-Star break, so he's definitely rounding into form. Long story short, get ready Tigers hitters; a motivated and in-form Verlander is on the docket.
Tigers righty Alex Faedo will have the tall task of facing Verlander. Faedo has been bouncing between the Tigers and the minor leagues for a lot of this season because of injuries and poor form but has been fairly impressive since getting recalled on Aug. 8.
In 15⅔ innings over three starts, Faedo has surrendered just three earned runs. That includes a five-inning shutout against the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 15 in which he gave up just one hit and one walk. The Tigers' front office has been tough on Faedo at times this year. He was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after throwing a one-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres in July, then was sent to Double-A Erie. But Faedo has done a nice job of putting the outside circumstances aside and just pitching. We'll see if he can continue that on Sunday.
If you want to make the journey to Comerica to see Justin Verlander in person, tickets are reasonably priced. The lowest ticket on StubHub is listed at just $19, while SeatGeek has seats listed as low as $14.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers dominated by Houston Astros, Verlander in 17-4 loss
