Detroit Tigers History: Justin Verlander Throws No Hitter
By David Hill
It did not take long for Justin Verlander to make an impact upon the Detroit Tigers. On this day in 2007, he threw the sixth no hitter in franchise history.
The second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Amateur Draft, it did not take long for Justin Verlander to reach the Detroit Tigers. He spent just one season in the minors, where he was named the Tigers Minor League Player of the Year before coming up to the majors for two outings. In his first full season, Verlander was the AL Rookie of the Year, going 17-9 while showing signs of developing into the ace he would become.
In 2007, he took that next step forward. He made his first All Star Game, and ended up posting an 18-6 record with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.230 WHiP, striking out 183 batters against 63 walks in 201.2 innings. Verlander also put his name in the Tigers history books when, on this day, he threw just the sixth no hitter in team history.
Verlander was in command for most of the game. Facing the Milwaukee Brewers, he threw just 112 pitches in his no hitter, striking out 12 batters while issuing four walks. He struck out the side in the fourth, and recorded at least one strikeout in all but the eighth inning.
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Despite his swing and miss stuff, Verlander did need some help from his defense. Corey Hart made the most serious bid to end the no hitter, hitting a low line drive to right. Magglio Ordonez saved the no hitter with his sliding catch, getting Hart for the second out of the seventh.
The Tigers also flashed some leather in the eighth. After Verlander walked Bill Hall with one out, Gabe Gross hit a weak grounder up the middle. Neifi Perez ranged behind the bag, making a behind the back flip to Placido Polanco to start the double play.
Interestingly enough, there was one player on the Brewers who Verlander could not get out. Hall drew a walk in all three of his plate appearances, as he was able to avoid swinging at those pitches off the plate. J.J. Hardy was the only other Brewer to reach, drawing a walk of his own in the fourth.
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On this day in 2007, Justin Verlander threw the sixth Detroit Tigers no hitter, their first in 23 years, and the first in the history of Comerica Park. In doing so, he began his journey towards being one of the best pitchers of his time.