Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander struggled for the third straight start during a 12-4 loss Sunday against the Rangers. The right-hander allowed nine runs (six earned) on 11 hits and three walks, while striking out one in 5 1/3 innings.
Verlander struggled from the get-go Sunday, allowing Texas to take a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Alex Rios' two-out single. Michael Choice then led off the second inning with a home run and Robinson Chirinos scored two batters later on a throwing error.
Verlander then settled down to fire two scoreless innings, but Texas opened up the game with a five-run fifth inning. Mitch Moreland, Adrian Beltre and Chirinos had RBI singles, while Rios had a two-RBI triple.
Verlander came back out for the sixth inning, but he allowed an RBI double to Moreland before being lifted after a one-out walk to Adrian Beltre.
He's now allowed at least five runs in three straight starts. He's lost his last two starts. Verlander will look to end the losing skid Friday at Seattle.