DETROIT — Four hours to first pitch…
Game: Pirates (42-33) vs. Detroit Tigers (39-36), 7:05 p.m., Comerica Park
Pitchers: RHP Gerrit Cole (11-3, 2.16) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (0-1, 6.17)
TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan
Online: Gameday / Multimedia / Media notes
Pregame notes 5 p.m.: Is it fair to call tonight’s matchup the past versus the future? Cole will take on the guy who once was the American League’s best pitcher. Making only his third start of the season, Verlander hasn’t looked like the guy who once dominated baseball with his triple-digit heat and rare stamina. In two starts, Verlander has permitted four home runs and eight earned runs in 11 2/3 innings. He only recorded a combined four strikeouts in those two starts. In fact, he missed his last scheduled start due to back stiffness. Verlander was at the height of his power in 2011, when, at age 28, he went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA. Since then, his numbers have dropped decidedly. Following the 2:40 ERA in 2011, his numbers in that category have considerably worsened: 2.64 in 2012, 3.46 in 2013, 4.54 in 2014 and 6.17 in the two starts this season. Verlander nearly tossed a no-hitter against the Pirates in 2012 until Josh Harrison saved the day in the ninth inning. Harrison isn’t in the lineup tonight, by the way. When Verlander last faced the Pirates, he was removed after one inning when he allowed five runs. He’s been utterly dominant in his other starts against the Pirates and lifetime is 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA against them. He’s struck out 38 Pirates in 33 innings. … Clint Hurdle had some nice things to say about Gorkys Hernandez. “He’s a different player than we’d seen last time here in a Pirate uniform,” Hurdle said. … Francisco Cervelli will fill the designated hitter role tonight, which makes perfect sense. The Pirates want his bat in the lineup and they love having Chris Stewart catch for Cole. … First base coach Nick Leyva won’t be available for this series due to personal reasons, and will be replaced by Brad Fischer. … Rain is in the forecast. Will keep you updated.
Justin Verlander returns after skipping a start to a stiff back. — GETTY
June 30, 2015
Final: Pirates 5, Tigers 4, 14 innings
by Josh Yohe • Game previews
DETROIT — Four hours to first pitch…
Game: Pirates (42-33) vs. Detroit Tigers (39-36), 7:05 p.m., Comerica Park
Pitchers: RHP Gerrit Cole (11-3, 2.16) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (0-1, 6.17)
TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan
Online: Gameday / Multimedia / Media notes
Pregame notes 5 p.m.: Is it fair to call tonight’s matchup the past versus the future? Cole will take on the guy who once was the American League’s best pitcher. Making only his third start of the season, Verlander hasn’t looked like the guy who once dominated baseball with his triple-digit heat and rare stamina. In two starts, Verlander has permitted four home runs and eight earned runs in 11 2/3 innings. He only recorded a combined four strikeouts in those two starts. In fact, he missed his last scheduled start due to back stiffness. Verlander was at the height of his power in 2011, when, at age 28, he went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA. Since then, his numbers have dropped decidedly. Following the 2:40 ERA in 2011, his numbers in that category have considerably worsened: 2.64 in 2012, 3.46 in 2013, 4.54 in 2014 and 6.17 in the two starts this season. Verlander nearly tossed a no-hitter against the Pirates in 2012 until Josh Harrison saved the day in the ninth inning. Harrison isn’t in the lineup tonight, by the way. When Verlander last faced the Pirates, he was removed after one inning when he allowed five runs. He’s been utterly dominant in his other starts against the Pirates and lifetime is 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA against them. He’s struck out 38 Pirates in 33 innings. … Clint Hurdle had some nice things to say about Gorkys Hernandez. “He’s a different player than we’d seen last time here in a Pirate uniform,” Hurdle said. … Francisco Cervelli will fill the designated hitter role tonight, which makes perfect sense. The Pirates want his bat in the lineup and they love having Chris Stewart catch for Cole. … First base coach Nick Leyva won’t be available for this series due to personal reasons, and will be replaced by Brad Fischer. … Rain is in the forecast. Will keep you updated.
Justin Verlander returns after skipping a start to a stiff back. — GETTY