Tigers, Mariners starters will try to keep hits in ballpark (Jun 20, 2017)

SEATTLE — Justin Verlander was holding court.

Whether the topic was juiced baseballs, stealing signs or pace of play, the longtime Detroit Tigers ace addressed it before Monday’s series opener.

Keeping the ball in the ballpark Tuesday night at Safeco Field in the second game of the four-game series will be the responsibility of Tigers right-hander Jordan Zimmermann (5-5, 5.35 ERA) and Mariners left-hander Ariel Miranda (6-3, 4.17).

Miranda has pitched just one inning against the Tigers in his career, and that was last season, when he allowed two hits and a run in that frame.

Zimmermann has faced the Mariners twice in his career and is 2-0 with a 5.25 ERA. He beat Seattle 19-9 on April 25 at…