Verlander came close to no-hitter as Tigers beat Angels, 3-2

Justin Verlander came within four outs of another no-hitter, outpitching an angry Jered Weaver as the Detroit Tigers beat the Los Angeles Angels, 3-2

Maicer Izturis lined an RBI single to left field with two outs in the eighth for the Angels’ only hit. Verlander (15-5) was trying for his third career no-hitter and second this season.

Weaver was ejected for throwing a pitch over Alex Avila’s head in the seventh, right after Carlos Guillen showboated on a solo home run—infuriating the right-hander.

Guillen flipped his bat, posed at the plate and skipped a few steps sideways, prompting Weaver to yell at him before Guillen rounded the bases.

Sensing trouble was coming, plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt warned both benches. But Weaver threw the next pitch near Avila’s head and was quickly ejected along with Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia.

With the Tigers now leading the AL Central by 2 & 1/2 games, they will rest Monday & get ready for a 3-game series at Comerica Park against the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, beginning this Tuesday.


POSTGAME COMMENTS FROM THE TIGERS

Pitcher Justin Verlander

Right fielder Magglio Ordonez