After allowing a two-strike double on a hanging curve in the first inning, throwing 18 pitches and giving up a run, Justin Verlander threw eight pitches to get out of the second inning. He looked quite verlandian while doing it, too.
Tigers vs. Rangers: Verlander Recovers, Wilson Still Spotless
The problem is that C.J. Wilson looks like the Jekyll Wilson, as he's throwing strikes and getting ahead of hitters. Through two innings, he hasn't allowed a base runner. I don't like to engage too much in the other National Pastime -- bashing Tim McCarver -- but sometimes it's unavoidable.
McCarver, when talking about Wilson, said it was good to see his velocity up (it’s been between 91 and 94 so far) from his last start, and that it was probably because of the adrenaline that comes with the clinching game of the ALCS.
You know, as opposed to the first game of the ALCS.
Also of note: Wilson was throwing between 91 and 94 in Game 1. Other than that, his velocity is probably up from all the adrenaline. That famous Game 5 adrenaline.
As an aside, his velocity has been slowly climbing all season. That fits with his improved stats in the second half of the season.
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