Lakeland, Fla. — The Tigers were drubbed 9-1 by the Nationals on Wednesday. Drubbed 11-1 Thursday by the Pirates.
It may not mean much, or anything, in the grand scheme of a baseball season, but it sure makes for some long afternoons.
Justin Verlander, who wasn’t nearly as sharp as he’d been in his first outing, gave up a pair of solo home runs in the second inning — a rocket to left by Francisco Cervelli and a wind-aided blast to center by Jose Osuna.
“I would be more worried if every spring start was perfect,” Verlander said afterward.