Detroit Tigers get shut out by Los Angeles Angels 4-0, Soria debuts

Jul 26, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers manager

Brad Ausmus

(7) argues a call with umpire Jim Joyce (66) in the third inning of the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The call was overturned and Detroit Tigers shortstop

Eugenio Suarez

(30) was called out on a tag by Los Angeles Angels first baseman

Albert Pujols

(5). Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers’ lack of offense once again sunk a fairly solid performance from their starter. They were beaten by the Los Angeles Angels 4-0.

Justin Verlander struggled early, walking the first batter of the game, Kole Calhoun, on five pitches. Torii Hunter then made what was maybe his best defensive play of the season to retire Mike Trout. Verlander gave up a single to Erick Aybar before retiring the side without giving up a run. He did give up a run in the second, though, on a solo home run to Efren Navarro, the first of his Major League career. After that though, Verlander was shutting Oakland hitters down. He retired seven in a row after the homer. Verlander ran into trouble again in the sixth inning, giving up doubles to Albert Pujols to lead off the inning and C.J. Cron. Pujols scored after advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Aybar and then making it home on a Navarro ground out.

Verlander’s final line: 7IP, 6H, 3R/ER, 3BB, 4K

Joakim Soria made his debut as a Detroit Tiger in the eighth inning and was understandably rusty, not having pitched since Tuesday. He gave up back to back singles to Aybar and Howie Kendrick, then walked Navarro before striking out Cron. That ended Soria’s outing as his pitch count had been driven up.

Phil Coke relieved Soria with two on and one out, and retired the next two batters, stranding his inherited base runners.