Detroit Tigers managed just 2 hits against Justin Verlander in 9-3 loss

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander, returning to Comerica Park as a visiting starter for the fifth time, finished his outing Sunday as he did so many times during his time with the Detroit Tigers from 2005 to 2017 : send an overmatched batter to the shelter. — in this case, Spencer Torkelson for the third time in a row, on a popout.

Verlander, a nine-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner, allowed just two hits in seven scoreless innings. The 41-year-old mixed and located his fastball, slider and curveball to perfection, including a series of elevated fastballs, to produce eight strikeouts and numerous weak contacts.

It was a vintage performance.

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The Tigers lost 9-3 to the Astros in the series finale Sunday at Comerica Park, losing two of three games. Verlander, making his fifth start of 2024 after a shoulder injury in the spring, limited the Tigers to two hits and two walks while throwing 95 pitches.

The Tigers (20-20) have lost seven of their last nine games, dropping three straight series. In the last loss, four pitchers allowed 18 hits and three walks to the Astros. The offense, meanwhile, finished with six hits and three walks, although the four hits (and three runs) in the bottom of the ninth inning were too little, too late.