Justin Verlander couldn’t get John Jaso out. He doubled to start the game. Verlander couldn’t get Jordy Mercer out. He singled to open it up. Verlander couldn’t get many Pittsburgh Pirates out this afternoon, not Jaso nor Mercer nor left-handed hitters.
He couldn’t get them to swing at his breaking balls nor through his fastballs, and he was beaten, 7-4, at Comerica Park.
The struggle began with Jaso’s opposite-field double in the first inning. From there, the Pirates put on display a blueprint to beat the Tigers’ ace right-hander: They ground him down, at-bat by at-bat, tagging him with a blend of patience, power and professional hitting.