Justin Verlander Rebounds with 13 Ks in Tigers Victory

The Detroit Tigers and their fans can breath a little easier following Monday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, as Tigers ace Justin Verlander rebounded from two straight “uncharacteristic” starts.

Verlander worked seven innings, surrendering three runs on seven sits, striking out a season-high 13 batters and walking two in a 5-4 victory for Detroit.

In his past two starts, Verlander surrendered 13 runs in 7.2 innings, wherein he saw his ERA jump from 1.93 to 3.66.

Verlander appeared to right the ship on Monday, regaining command of his fastball. The Detroit ace improved to a 6-4 record and now owns a 3.68 ERA, along with an 82/23 strikeout to walk ratio in 66.0 innings.

The former AL MVP AND Cy Young Award winner received five runs of support, led by shortstop Jhonny Peralta who went 4-for-4 with three RBI. Peralta continued his strong month of May, in which he is batting .368 with three home runs and nine RBI (Peralta is currently second in batting average in the AL, batting .341).

Detroit has now won seven of their last ten games and maintain a 2.5 game lead over the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central standings.