Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander Pitches Three Flawless Innings

Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers shined on Friday in his second Grapefruit League outing. He pitched three flawless innings against the Mets. Verlander struck out three players with no walks and no hits. In five spring innings there has been one run over five spring innings on his watch. "It was a good day or me," Verlander said. "I felt like, for the most part, my fastball location was good if not better than what it should be right now. I felt like it was coming out pretty free and easy for this time of year." The Mets were victorious but not until Verlander left the game. The Mets managed to score one run on second baseman Jeff Kobernus due to his fourth inning error. New York starter Jon Niese went toe to toe with Verlander with three scoreless innings. This was Niese's first Grapefruit League appearance against the Tigers last weekend's pitch in the Mets' exhibition against the University of Michigan. He is scheduled to start Game 3 of the regular season for the Mets but will be the first choice to pitch on Opening Day if Johan Santana has not receovered. "I felt good," Niese said of his Friday performance. "For the most part, all my pitches felt good."