Tigers starter Justin Verlander flirted with the third no-hitter of his career in Sunday's series finale against the Astros. The right-hander did not allow a hit over his first six innings of work and retired the leadoff batter in the seventh. He then surrendered a single to Carlos Pena, however, and Carlos Corporan followed with a base hit.

The 30-year-old ended up pitching seven scoreless innings, giving up just the two hits while striking out nine. He also walked two in the 9-0 win.

Verlander (4-2) lowered his ERA to 1.55 on the outing and has 50 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings pitched.

His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Indians. In three starts against Cleveland last season, Verlander went 1-2 with a 2.45 ERA.