Justin Verlander's Winning Season

05:47

September 17, 2011

Tigers ace Justin Verlander hugs Victor Martinez during his latest victory on Tuesday against the White Sox. Verlander was lights-out; in seven scoreless innings he gave up only six hits and two walks, striking out six. (AP) — Tigers ace Justin Verlander hugs Victor Martinez during his latest victory on Tuesday against the White Sox. Verlander pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out six. (AP)

Though very few starting pitchers have ever received the Most Valuable Player award, Justin Verlander has certainly earned consideration this season in his efforts for the Detroit Tigers. WDET's Noah Ovshinsky reports for Only A Game this week on the 28-year-old's remarkable 2011 season.

The stats don't lie: with 13 games left in the regular season, Verlander has 23 wins, 238 strikeouts, a 2.36 ERA and four complete games under his belt, including his May 7th no-hitter against the Blue Jays. Even Tigers' manager Jim Leland, who is usually not keen on comparing pitchers or seasons, admits Verlander's got the stuff of greatness: "This guy is a horse and he has a chance at being around a long time."

Verlander has recently even been compared to Denny McLain, who won an incredible 31 games for the Tigers in 1968 regular season and helped them secure the World Series title that year. McLain won the Cy Young Award that season, and Verlander is a favorite to do the same this year, barring a complete meltdown.

This segment aired on September 17, 2011.

MLB