He gave up a run in the first inning and a run in the ninth, but Justin Verlander dominated every inning in between en route to a complete game, 3-2 victory. The win is Verlander's first this season after Valverde blew his Opening Day start and Verlander blew his gem in his second.
Brandon Inge provided the game-winning hit, a two-run homer in the top half of the fifth inning. Yes, you read that correctly. Austin Jackson was the other run when he led off the game with a homer.
The win wasn't without the Tigers' 2012 trademarked ninth inning dramatics, as Verlander allowed a run and loaded the bases before striking out Alex Gordon looking on a 100 MPH fastball to finish the game. The game to a close on Verlander's 131st pitch of the game, one off from his career high. Verlander struck out nine.
Drew Smyly takes the ball for the Tigers on Tuesday with first pitch slated for 8:10 p.m. ET.
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