Verlander after getting rocked by Orioles: 'I don't blame the fans for booing'
Justin Verlander sure doesn't look like a former MVP and Cy Young Award winner.
The Detroit Tigers right-hander surrendered seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in a 9-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon, and was booed by the home crowd at Comerica Park when manager Brad Ausmus took him out of the game.
"I don't blame the fans for booing," Verlander said postgame. "I just simply think cheering is more beneficial for us. Hey, like I said, I wasn't happy with myself coming off the mound. Our fans here pay a lot of money to come out and support us, and they're allowed to voice their opinion."
Verlander is now winless in six starts this season (0-3, 6.62 ERA), matching the longest winless streak of his 11-year career.
"We need him to pitch better than he did today, there's no question," Ausmus said. "At this point, it's not just him, we all gotta do it. Everyone. Pitchers, hitters, we all gotta do it."
The 32-year-old has yet to find his groove since returning from a triceps strain he suffered in spring training, and will attempt to get back on track Friday in Boston.
The Tigers fell below .500 (45-46) with the loss for the first time since April 2013.