Every once in a while, a baseball player runs into a historic season. Everything has to break right. They have to be supremely talented and supremely lucky. In 2013, Miguel Cabrera is having such as season. In 2011, we witnessed this with Justin Verlander.
It's odd to think about now, where Verlander is right up with Kershaw among the "best starters in the game," but in early 2011 JV was just another excellent arm. Opposing fans didn't give up at the sight of him in the pregame show, Detroit fan didn't groan when he gave up his first hit, and he wasn't his own holliday.
Strange, right?
Jim Leyland gave Justin the ball on Opening Day, March 31, in New York. I remember a little about the game. Verlander was solid but not great, pitching 6 innings of 3-run ball. Curtis Granderson hit a huge slam off of Phil Coke that day, and Detroit was 0-1.
JV was known then (and now) for his struggles in April. While not as pronounced in other years, April was easily his worst month. Although he went 6 innings or more in each start (something I now remember he did in EVERY start in 2011), Justin was just 2-3 on the month with an ERA of 3.50. Of course, he was supported with a total of three runs in those losses, including a complete game effort against Texas.
Verlander entered May 7, 2011 at just 2-3, 3.75. Once again, he looked like an arm that couldn't put together that dominant season to move into the top ten starters in baseball discussion. This was before May 7.
On that day, Justin took the mound in Toronto. Inducing outs early and often, he looked quite solid. Verlander got a little defensive help from Cabrera, Avila, and even himself!
Mario and Rod were conscious to the no-hitter by about the 5th inning. That's how much respect they had for the Tigers ace. The cheers were growing audibly louder in the SkyDome. He was still perfect after seven.
Finally, with the world waiting with bated breath in the 8th inning, the J.P. Arencibia worked the count. After what seemed like 26 pitches, he worked a full count walk. It was oh, so close. At least this call was correct, and not Jim Joyce. Promptly, J.V. induced a double play, having faced the minimum 24 batters.
In the bottom of the ninth, Verlander stepped back on the hill. Looking for his second career no-hitter, Justin promptly dispatched of the first two hitters. Curiously, he only had three strikeouts, but no Jay had made really hard contact all game. The number nine hitter, Rajai Davis, was the only obstacle.
The 2-2 pitch.
Wicked slider.
No hitter.
Just as important as the no-hitter was personally, it was important to a streaky Tigers team that was in the middle of a road-trip swoon. The ace had gone out and done what aces would do. This start would be a springboard to the Cyborg Verlander we all came to know and love. On this night, a young pitcher had made history.
JV was known then (and now) for his struggles in April. While not as pronounced in other years, April was easily his worst month. Although he went 6 innings or more in each start (something I now remember he did in EVERY start in 2011), Justin was just 2-3 on the month with an ERA of 3.50. Of course, he was supported with a total of three runs in those losses, including a complete game effort against Texas.
Verlander entered May 7, 2011 at just 2-3, 3.75. Once again, he looked like an arm that couldn't put together that dominant season to move into the top ten starters in baseball discussion. This was before May 7.
On that day, Justin took the mound in Toronto. Inducing outs early and often, he looked quite solid. Verlander got a little defensive help from Cabrera, Avila, and even himself!
Mario and Rod were conscious to the no-hitter by about the 5th inning. That's how much respect they had for the Tigers ace. The cheers were growing audibly louder in the SkyDome. He was still perfect after seven.
Finally, with the world waiting with bated breath in the 8th inning, the J.P. Arencibia worked the count. After what seemed like 26 pitches, he worked a full count walk. It was oh, so close. At least this call was correct, and not Jim Joyce. Promptly, J.V. induced a double play, having faced the minimum 24 batters.
In the bottom of the ninth, Verlander stepped back on the hill. Looking for his second career no-hitter, Justin promptly dispatched of the first two hitters. Curiously, he only had three strikeouts, but no Jay had made really hard contact all game. The number nine hitter, Rajai Davis, was the only obstacle.
The 2-2 pitch.
Wicked slider.
No hitter.
Just as important as the no-hitter was personally, it was important to a streaky Tigers team that was in the middle of a road-trip swoon. The ace had gone out and done what aces would do. This start would be a springboard to the Cyborg Verlander we all came to know and love. On this night, a young pitcher had made history.
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