Alex Wilson was stellar in relief for the Tigers, but a quiet offense and poor effort by Joba Chamberlain and Tom Gorzelanny robbed the team of a win.
DETROIT -- Justin Verlander made his first start on Tuesday, a mediocre one, since missing his last start due to mid-back tightness. The Detroit Tigers bounced back thanks to J.D. Martinez's clutch late-innings home run, but that's the last they would get and lost 5-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates after five hours and 30 minutes of play.
Verlander's command of the strike zone was elusive. In the first inning alone he faced six batters, walked three, and gave up a leadoff single to start the game.