Note: For an end of game Tigers score update, text SCORES to 80373

DETROIT (WKZO) – Justin Verlander’s third career perfect game may have been spoiled on a one-out line drive in the ninth, but the electricity of the moment wasn’t spoiled for the 41,661 fans on hand to watch the Tigers blank the Pirates 6-0.

Out of all of the spoiled no-hitters Verlander’s career, this one was the first to make it to the ninth inning. Justin has gone the distance twice, first in 2007 against the Brewers who featured now teammate Prince Fielder, and again in 2009 in Toronto. Despite the disappointment of this missed opportunity, Verlander’s final line featured 12 strikeouts on 109 pitches.

The other half of the equation Friday was Detroit’s offense. Clicking on all cylinders against Pirates’ pitching, pounded out 13 hits and two runs in the first, fourth and seventh innings. Every batter registered at least one hit, excluding Ryan Raburn. Delmon Young shot his second home run over the left field fence in the fourth, driving in two more runs in the seventh frame.

The win pulls the Tigers within a game of .500, and the chance to win back to back games since early April. Drew Smyly is set to make the start Saturday afternoon facing A.J Burnett.

 First pitch on AM 590 WKZO is 4:05 pm