Detroit Tigers homer twice to top vintage Justin Verlander in Houston

HOUSTON – John Hicks did it again.

This time, it came in a much bigger situation.

For his second home run against childhood friend Justin Verlander, Hicks beat him. With a line-drive rocket to open the top of the ninth inning on Wednesday night, Hicks delivered the Tigers’ second win over their former ace right-hander in four tries.

Verlander was his usual dominant self, but the Tigers – who pitched outstanding and played impressive defense – hit two solo home runs off him, winning, 2-1.

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In his fourth start against the Tigers, Verlander was nearly untouchable, save those two home runs. They were the only hits he allowed.

First, in the top of the fifth, Ronny Rodriguez hit a solo home run to right field to break up Verlander’s early perfect game bid – he had retired the first 12 batters in order.

Then, in the ninth – two innings after lefty Tyler Alexander allowed a game-tying solo home run to Robinson Chirinos – Hicks jumped all over a Verlander pitch, sending it into the Crawford Boxes in right field at Minute Maid Park.

It only took two hits, but it was made possible by lefty starter Daniel Norris and Alexander, who combined to allow one run on five hits, before Buck Farmer and Joe Jimenez closed the game out with scoreless eighth and ninth innings, respectively.

In the eighth, Rodriguez made a smart play, throwing out Jose Altuve at third base after a putout. Altuve, on first base, attempted to advance to third, but Rodriguez’s strong throw from first spelled an inning-ending double play.

One batter later, Hicks hit the go-ahead homer. A half-inning later, the Tigers executed a perfect relay throw to tag Chirinos, who was trying to stretch a double into a triple, for the final out.

Verlander and Hicks grew up in Goochland, Virginia. Hicks' older brother is one of Verlander's best friends.

Verlander pitched a complete game, allowing only two hits. He struck out 11 batters and walked none, marking his seventh consecutive start with double-digit strikeouts.

But, like last season in Houston – when he allowed four homer in his first start against his former team – Verlander lost the game.