Justin Verlander tosses another Gem

The Detroit Tigers have gotten another pitching gem from starter Justin Verlander last night at Comerica Park.   The right hander pitched a 2 hit complete game shutout beating the Cleveland Indians 4-0.  This is the 3rd time this in the 2011 season that Justin has flirted with a no-hitter.   He did pitch a No-Hitter in Toronto on May 7 against the Blue Jays.  His following start he went into the 7th inning with a no-hitter again.  

Justin who has been the ace of the staff for the past four seasons who was in total control last night pitching his 3rd complete game of the season.   He raised his season record to 8-3 and now seems like a lock to be selected to the American League All-Star team in 2011.   The Tigers might have a second pitcher selected to the All-Star team with Max Scherzer who is having a career best season in the 1st half of the season. 

Verlander had 12 strikeouts in the game to give him 105 K's so far this season.   He also lowered his ERA to 2.66 with the shutout.   Leading the way for the surging Detroit Tigers was recent call up Andy Dirks with 3 hits and 2 rbi's in the 4-0 victory.   Maggilo Ordonez has returned to the starting line-up and has provided some spark over the last 2 games.   The Tigers now have moved into 1st Place in the American League Central Division with a 37-30 record. 

Orlando Cabrera for the Indians broke up the no-hitter with one out in the 8th inning with a solid single to center field.   The Tigers now have  two more games with the Indians before heading out on the road.   The excitement is starting to come back to Comerica Park again this summer.   I'm starting to think about the Tigers season from 2006 again.