Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander was terrific for most of Thursday's start against the Mariners, but his teammates failed to provide him with adequate support, in a 2-0 loss.
Verlander struck out 12 batters over seven innings of work, and was locked into a scoreless duel until the seventh inning. Verlander struck out the first two batters of the seventh, before allowing three straight hits to bring in two runs, which would be enough to earn him his second loss of the season.
Verlander was tagged for two earned runs on nine hits, with one walk in the outing. He is now 2-2, with a 2.13 ERA and 1.22 WHIP through four starts. Verlander has struck out 29 batters in 25 1/3 innings, with just eight walks allowed. His next start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Royals. Verlander went 2-0 with a 4.11 ERA in four starts against the Royals a year ago.