JV Throws A Gem, Tigers 5 Angels 1

Justin Verlander would be the 1st one to tell you that he hasn't been pitching well in his first few starts of the 2010 season. Enter Verlander on the mound today and the solid hitting Angels bats were baffled. Watching the game today I noticed a few things that seemed to work for Verlander.

1. In the 1st few innings Justin was throwing his fastball 93-94 mph. This would seem to be most pitchers best and fastest fastball but we all know JV is capable of throwing a smooth 97 to 99 mph fastball.
2.  Slider, Slider, Slider.......if Justin can get this Slider breaking sharp and low it will be a nightmare for the American League hitters. Just having his good fastball and curve-ball is effective but with a nice slider and a change up mixed in for good measure it appears JV's could really be in control of hitters for years to come.

It's great to see Justin get back to his old self. After signing the big deal in the off season you would think he might have felt at least a little bit of pressure.

 Austin Jackson just seems to keep hitting. You can forgive all the strike outs. He's young and by just throwing him in the leadoff spot as a rookie you gotta expect he's gonna strike out while trying to work the count. Yet Jackson is now among the league leaders in hits. He can go to all fields and is also solid in the outfield. Very soon he may have Tigers fans saying Curtis who?

It was a big sweep of the Angels and next on the list for the Tigers is Minnesota Twins and their 1st visit to the new Target Field! I'm sure you won't find any Tigers complaining about not playing in the Metro Dome nor should there be any fans.