Justin Verlander is making his first start since throwing a no-hitter against the Blue Jays last week. Friday night's start is coming against the Kansas City Royals, and so far he hasn't allowed a hit through four innings. Verlander appears to be dialed in yet again, but there is still a lot of baseball to be played, so don't open up the record books just yet.
With Verlander shutting down the Royals' offense so far, the Tigers are leading the Royals, 3-0. Austin Jackson hit a lead-off home run to put the Tigers on top by a run, and Alex Avila knocked in Victor Martinez in the second inning on a fielder's choice. In the third inning, Jackson was barely thrown out at home, keeping the Royals within two runs, but Jhonny Peralta hit a solo home run in the fourth to make this a 3-0 game.
Kansas City's pitcher, Luke Hochevar, is looking to pick up his fourth win of the season and get above .500 (his record is currently 3-3).