SEATTLE -- Add another reason to the list of why the Detroit Tigers' loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night stung so much: It deflated what would have otherwise been a celebratory occasion for Justin Verlander.
For five innings, Verlander was, quite literally, perfect. And he's convinced it wasn't a fluke.
Verlander struck out a season-high 11 batters and said he felt better than he had at any point in 2017.
The 2017 has been a frustrating one for Verlander, who is on pace to set a career-high in walks and hasn't been able to put batters away with the same ruthless efficiency he's had for much of his career.