Tigers ace Justin Verlander was nearly unhittable over the first few innings of his opening day start at Minnesota Monday. He ended up giving up a couple base knocks, but cruised to victory nevertheless against the Twins.
Verlander pitched five shutout frames as he allowed just three base hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. He was removed after throwing 91 pitches, 54 for strikes, in favor of Drew Smyly with a 3-0 lead. Smyly gave up two runs but the Tigers won 4-2.
Verlander's fastest pitches were thrown against Josh Willingham and were between 93-95 mph, reports the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Verlander was around 89-91 against everyone else.
The ace retired Willingham and rookie Aaron Hicks all six times he faced them with five strikeouts and a pop up. The yearly American League Cy Young threat will get a second start this week coming Sunday against the Yankees and their ace CC Sabathia. Sabathia and New York lost to Boston Monday.