Justin Verlander implodes in Pittsburgh; Detroit Tigers lose to Pirates 11-6

Justin Verlander had the shortest outing of his career Monday night, giving up 5 runs in 1 inning pitched against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The bats came out swinging against Verlander tonight as he surrendered 5 runs on four hits, two walks, and two Detroit errors. It was later announced once Verlander exited the game due to right shoulder soreness; he will be further evaluated on Tuesday. After this appearance, his ERA sits a 4.76.

The Tigers scored on a Miguel Cabrera single with one out in the top of the 1st inning. No more runs were scored that and from there, things got ugly.

With the bases loaded, Starling Marte hit a bases clearing triple. Two more runs sored that inning off the bats of Travis Snider and Jayson Nix.

Aug 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) hits a ground rule double against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Miller, whom was recently called up from Triple A, took the mound for the Tigers in the 2nd, giving up 3 more runs, including a 2-run HR from Travis Snider.

Things stayed relatively quiet until the top of the 6th when the Tigers bats came alive, scoring 3 runs, making it 4 to 8 in favor of the Bucs. Torii Hunter collected a double that inning, as well as an RBI. Alex Avila and Don Kelly also collected RBI’s that inning.

Pirates struck gain in the bottom of the 6th, roughing up Kevin Whelan, whom was making his first MLB appearance since 2011. Whelan gave up back to back solo shots to Russell Matin and Ike Davis; two absolute bombs. The Pirates now maintained a 10-4 lead as he teams headed into the 7th inning.

Fast forward to the top of the 8th; Alex Avila leads off the inning with a single, his 2nd hit off the night. Avila’s hit was followed up by a Eugenio Suarez double, advancing Avila to 3rd.

Rajai Davis then doubled, scoring both Avila and Suarez. A pitching change was then made mid-inning as All-Star Tony Watson came into face Miguel Cabrera, whom hit a ball to RF. Rajai Davis attempted to score on Cabrera’s hit but was thrown out by a mile by rookie sensation Gregor Polanco. Pirates lead was cut to 4 as the Tigers made it 10-6

Phil Coke then gave up a solo shot to Travis Snider in the 8th inning, Snider’s second HR of the game. Pirates now lead 11-6.

Justin Wilson closed things out for the Bucs, retiring Victor Martinez, Torii Hunter, and Nick Castellanos in order.

The Tigers have now lost 6 of their last 8 games and drop to 10 games above .500.