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Detroit Tigers: 5 greatest Justin Verlander performances

By Andy Patton

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros and the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros and the American League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Tigers
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 10: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Oakland Athletics during Game Five of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum on October 10, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

10/10/13 Det vs. OAK ALDS Game 5

8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB,10 K, 87 Game Score

This is the third greatest game Justin Verlander pitched in his Tigers career, and yet it’s not even his best playoff game against the Oakland A’s – but more on that later.

In Game 5 of the ALDS, Verlander took the bump in Oakland to face the A’s, who went 96-66 in the regular season and were currently tied with the Tigers 2-2.

Verlander was absolutely unhittable all night, tossing eight shutout innings while surrendering just two hits and one walk. He struck out 10. Verlander set the tone early, retiring the first 16 batters he faced, and striking out five of the first nine.

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, left fielder Yoenis Cespedes singled for the first hit of the game. Verlander promptly struck out Seth Smith to end the threat. Verlander gave up another harmless two-out single in the eighth inning to current teammate Josh Reddick, before once again striking out the side – this time making Stephen Vogt his victim.

He was replaced in the ninth inning by Joaquin Benoit, who gave up a double and a hit by pitch before retiring Smith to end it and sending the Tigers to the ALCS. It was a magical, truly dominant performance from one of the best in the game. Exasperated Oakland fans had seen this before, and could only hope they’d never have to face Verlander in the playoffs ever again.

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