Tigers Go 1-1 With Split Squads
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - Justin Verlander was sharp for 3 2-3 innings and Victor Martinez hit a two-run double as the Detroit Tigers beat a Houston Astros split squad 5-0 Saturday.
Verlander gave up three hits and struck out three. Rookie left- hander Andy Oliver pitched two hitless innings, striking out the Astros in order in the sixth.
The Astros' other split squad didn't hit any better, losing 1-0 to St. Louis.
Martinez had two hits, including his double in the third off Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez.
Magglio Ordonez was scratched from Detroit's lineup because of spasms in his left hamstring.
The second game for the Tigers on Saturday was against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Florida.
Highly regarded prospect Brett Lawrie hit his first homer of the spring, a three-run shot that highlighted a six- run rally in the eighth inning and sent the Toronto Blue Jays over a Detroit Tigers split squad 7-4 Saturday.
The Blue Jays traded Shaun Marcum, their opening day pitcher last year, to Milwaukee in the offseason to get Lawrie.
Kyle Drabek, whose first spring start for the Blue Jays was delayed five days due to a stiff neck, gave up one run in two innings and struck out three.
Tigers starter Jacob Turner pitched three scoreless innings and fanned three.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
