Justin Verlander struck out a season-high 12 batters, but he didn’t get any support from his offense Thursday as the Tigers dropped a 2-0 decision to the Mariners in Seattle in the final game of their three-game series. Detroit managed just five hits in the game. The Tigers open a weekend series Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels. You can hear Tiger baseball on 1450 WHTC beginning at 9:40
Elsewhere in major league baseball…the White Sox fell to the Blue Jays in Toronto, 3-1. Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run homer and Alfonso Soriano added a solo shot to power the Cubs to a 6-2 win over the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field.
Rain washed out the Whitecaps’ doubleheader with the Lansing Lugnuts at Fifth Third Ballpark Thursday. The ‘Caps open a series with South Bend Friday night at Fifth Third.
In basketball, Lawrence Frank is out as head coach of the Detroit Pistons. Frank was fired Thursday after two seasons, during which the Pistons posted a record of 54-and-94. Detroit was 29-53 this season. Meanwhile, the Bulls get ready to open NBA playoff action Saturday night against the Nets in Brooklyn.
Michigan freshman forwards Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson the Third will return to play basketball for the Wolverines next year. Earlier this week, teammates Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. both decided to declare for the NBA Draft.
In the NHL…the Red Wings return to action Saturday night in Vancouver, fighting for that eighth and final playoff berth in the Western Conference. you can hear that game on 1450 WHTC beginning at 9-40. The Blackhawks battle Nashville Friday night at the United Center. In the A-H-L, the Griffins host Peoria at Van Andel Arena.