MLB Game Recaps: Justin Verlander Loses Pitcher’s Duel
It’s not often you’ll see Justin Verlander give up two runs, strike out seven, and go eight innings, but lose. Last night was one of those rarities though. Justin Masterson of the Indians matched Verlander pitch for pitch and helped the Indians to a 2-1 victory.
Masterson tossed seven innings, allowed five hits, gave up just the one run, and struck out four. Aside from his high walk total, it was perhaps his best start since his first start of the year.
The Indians scored first off a Shin-Soo Choo home run in the bottom of the first inning. They added their second, and winning, run in the fourth. Michael Brantley singled off Verlander with two outs, then promptly stole second. He was singled home by Jose Lopez.
The win pushed the Indians to 26-18 while the Tigers fall to 20-24. Justin Verlander‘s record drops to 5-2 on the season.
American League
Minnesota – 8
Chicago – 11
The Twins scored four in the top of the fifth to take a 5-4 lead, but the White Sox stormed back. Behind Alejandro De Aza‘s grand slam in the sixth, Chicago scored six runs and never looked back.
Los Angeles – 3
Seattle – 0
Albert Pujols homered and went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI. Dan Harren tossed a complete game shut out, struck out 14, and gave up just four hits. It was Harren’s sixth career shut-out.
National League
Atlanta – 3
Cincinnati – 6
With the Braves clinging to a 2-1 lead, Devin Mesoraco put the Reds ahead for good. In the bottom of the sixth, Mesoraco’s grand slam lifted Cincinnati to victory and helped the Reds take over first place.
San Diego – 11
New York – 5
Despite a rain delay of over an hour, the Padres managed to find their offense. Everth Cabrera went 4 for 4, Nick Hundley homered, and Yonder Alonso raised his batting average to .305. Eric Stults picked up his first win as a Padre.
San Francisco – 14
Miami – 7
The Giants pounded out 15 hits as they routed the Marlins in Miami. Melky Cabrera went 3 for 5 and drove in four runs to help support starter Ryan Vogelsong. Vogelsong pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowed seven hits, and gave up three runs.
Philadelphia – 10
St. Louis – 9
In a slug-fest that saw three home runs from the Cardinals and one from the Phillies, Philadelphia managed to come out on top. Shane Victorino and Freddy Galvis had three RBI a piece, and Ty Wigginton added two more with a solo home run and an RBI single. For the Cards, Matt Holiday, Yadier Molina, and David Freese homered.