Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (4-3) allowed four runs -- three earned -- and six hits over five uneasy innings during a 7-6 loss to Cleveland on Saturday night. He struck out seven batters and walked five -- the first time since Aug. 17, 2010 against the Yankees that he has issued five walks.
With temperatures hovering around the mid-50s, the 2011 Cy Young Award winner uncharacteristically labored and needed 110 pitches (69 strikes) to complete his outing, which matched his shortest of the season. His ERA stands at 1.93.
"My fastball control just wasn't good at all," Verlander said. "I was trying to get ahead with the fastball and then throw off-speed stuff, hoping I could grind out six innings, but I didn't even do that."
Verlander will attempt to secure his fifth win during his next scheduled start Thursday at Texas. He is 3-1 with a 1.08 ERA over four starts on the road this season.