Justin Verlander is not struggling; he just is not winning any games. The former Cy Young winner was 0-3 with a 6.82 ERA in his first set of June starts, but is hoping to have turned a corner after putting on a strong performance against the Houston Astros. Now he will try and keep a little momentum building as he pitches against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday.
Verlander did not get the decision in his last two starts, but he still had strong outings. He allowed just three runs and six hits while striking out eight batters in the loss to the Houston Astros. Verlander credits mechanical changes to the sudden change in his performance. He is hoping to keep things turning around as he has lost four straight starts at home with a 7.11 ERA. Against the Oakland Athletics, he is 8-6 with a 2.48 ERA in 15 starts as opponents are hitting .209 off him.
The Tigers pitching is turning around after sliding in the month of May. They have compiled a 2.20 ERA in the last 12 games. Rick Porcello is leading the charge with his second straight shutout. Verlander is hoping to follow suit as the bullpen has allowed at least one run in nine straight games.
The Athletics are struggling thanks to their pitching. Starters have a combined 6.33 ERA with a 4-4 record. The team has lost four of six to the Tigers and Jesse Chavez has been tasked with turning that around. The pitcher is 6-4 with a 2.94 ERA on the season and has been one of the more consistent starters for the team, giving up no more than four runs in a game this year. Against the Tigers he gave up three runs and eight hits over six innings back in May.
Chavez struggled in his last start, giving up four runs and six hits in six innings and did not get the decision. The Athletics are 12-4 when he is on the mound.
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