Detroit Tigers Veterans Looking Good in Outing Against Nationals

Yesterday’s Detroit Tigers vs. Washington Nationals game had the feel of a regular season game. With Justin Verlander facing Stephen Strasburg, the intensity from the mount was high.

And the Detroit Tigers ace did not disappoint.

He pitched into the fifth inning without allowing any runs.

In fact, Verlander did not give up a hit until the fifth inning. He struck out four. He only walked one batter: Bryce Harper. His only hit was single earned by Adam Eaton – the old nemesis from the Chicago White Sox. Verlander then committed a throwing error that allowed Eaton to advance to second.

Verlander’s stuff was sharp and by the fifth inning, the scoreboard was showing that his pitches were up to 96 MPH. It did take JV an inning to get into his groove, but by the third inning, he was striking out batters with pretty put-away pitches. It was clear from his facial expressions and some swears that JV was frustrated with a few of his pitches, especially with Harper’s walk.

Mar 13, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) reacts after allowing a solo home run to Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Along with Verlander’s quality outing, J.D. Martinez was back to mid-season form after his second home run in just as many days. The big hit traveled out to left field, over the Tigers’ bullpen. It was certainly a no-doubter from the moment it left the bat. The fact that he hit it off of Strasburg made it even sweeter.

Tyler Collins scored the final run for the Tigers in the top of the 7th. After a quiet spring training with a .190 batting average and four RBIs, he finally hit one out of the park. His home run went to left center and travel deeply into the berm. It was a nice sign of power Collins who is still fighting for a spot on the team.

Mar 13, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Brendan Ryan (26) slides in safely ahead of the tag of Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

While the second two runs were typical Tigers style, the first one was not. Brendan Ryan, who played second base, scored the first run off of a Jose Iglesias sac fly in the top of the third. He made his way to the basepath with a double to right field. He, then, stole third base showing off his quick speed. The successful steal was a treat for Tigers fans who don’t get to see those very often! It was refreshing to see the Tigers work to manufacture runs rather than just swinging for the fences hoping for home runs.