Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (12-9) turned in a strong performance but was not backed but enough run support as he took the loss in Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against the Royals. The right-hander yielded two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six over eight innings of a 2-1 defeat.

Verlander has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four starts and owns a 2.48 ERA over that span. He is scheduled to make his next start Thursday at home against Minnesota. He is 2-0 with a stellar 0.75 ERA in two starts against the Twins this season.