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Vintage Verlander not quite enough for Tigers
- Updated: October 3, 2016
ATLANTA — Justin Verlander stepped up again with the Tigers’ season on the line. It was a fitting performance for a season that summoned memories of his younger greatness, when he ended postseason series.
“This is what Justin thrives on, these type of games, this type of scenario, back against the wall,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “I think this is probably when he’s at his best.”
It ended up going for naught because Braves ace Julio Teheran did him one better. And somehow, Sunday’s 1-0 loss to the Braves was an ending that followed the pattern of a season in which the Tigers kept knocking the door of greatness but could never quite break into the lead pack in the American League.
“It’s kind of tough to talk about [my performance] personally right now,” Verlander said. “I know I pitched well, but it doesn’t make me feel any better right now.”
Even if it doesn’t, it’s enough to make Tigers fans feel a little better about their hopes for next season.
Verlander had a 4.30 ERA after his first 16 starts, culminating in his eight-run debacle against the Indians at Comerica Park. From there, he posted …
