Justin Verlander lost a bid for his third no-hitter when Chris Iannetta lined a double that landed just fair of the left-field line to lead off the ninth inning, but the Detroit Tigers beat the visiting Los Angeles Angels, 5-0, on Wednesday night.
Trying to become the sixth major leaguer to have thrown three no-hitters, Verlander settled instead for a one-hit shutout.
He was an inch away from so much more.
Iannetta’s shot kicked up chalk and rolled into the left-field corner. Verlander gestured, trying to will it foul, and then arched his back in disappointment after the ball hit right on the line.