Verlander Shines as Tigers Sweep Astros
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Robert Rogers/MLB Photos via Getty Images(HOUSTON) — Another year, another no-hit bid for Justin Verlander.
He struck out nine over seven innings, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning as the Detroit Tigers blanked the Houston Astros 9-0 to complete a four-game sweep.
Verlander, who already has two career no-hitters, gave up his first hit of the game on a Carlos Pena single in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Only five pitchers in major league history have thrown three or more no-hitters and Verlander (4-2) was a few outs away from becoming the sixth.
Prince Fielder homered for the Tigers and drove in four runs. Andy Dirks, Omar Infante, and Brayan Pena also went deep.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Fielder said. “Any time you score a lot of runs, it is fun, and plus our pitching has been outstanding, so everything is working really well right now.”
Detroit has won nine of their last 10 games while the Astros have lost 10 of their last 11.
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