MLB scores, highlights: Tigers' Justin Verlander nearly tosses third-career no-hitter in win over Angels

Alec Brzezinski

MLB scores, highlights: Tigers' Justin Verlander nearly tosses third-career no-hitter in win over Angels image

Each night we'll provide you with the nine top story lines from the day's action, beginning with the stars of the day, and look ahead to the next day's matchups.

Tigers fans waited in bated breath as Justin Verlander took the mound in the top of the ninth inning against the Angels on Wednesday.

Verlander was three outs away from his third-career no-hitter, facing the bottom of Los Angeles' lineup. But his no-hit bid came to a screeching halt when Chris Iannetta lined a rope over third base. The ball landed on the chalk in left field and rolled all the way to the wall. Iannetta cruised into second base for a double as Verlander let out an exasperated gasp.

MORE: No-hitters thrown in 2015

It was like some sort of twisted deja vu for Verlander. He was in a similar situation against the Pirates in 2012 when he had a no-hitter heading into the ninth inning, but lost it when Josh Harrison poke one up the middle through the Tigers' defense.

It'll be hard for Verlander to be upset, however, because he's struggled with injuries and decreased velocity for the better part of the last two seasons. Not only did he throw a one-hit shutout against one of the better lineups in baseball, his fastball touched 97 miles per hour, proving he can still pitch like an ace.

Verlander struck out nine batters and lowered his ERA to 0.31 over his last four starts.

Here are more highlights from Wednesday’s games:

Impact Players:

C — Cameron Rupp, Phillies: Rupp went 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBIs.

1B — Michael Cuddyer, Mets: Cuddyer went 3 for 5 with two runs scored, a home run and three RBIs to help the Mets stay hot offensively.

2B — Jonathan Schoop, Orioles: Schoop went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in a big win over the Royals.

SS — Francisco Lindor, Indians: Lindor did a little bit of everything in a win against the Brewers. He finished the game 2 for 3 with two walks, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

3B — Adonis Garcia, Braves: Garcia had three hits and a solo home run in a Braves loss. He is now batting .246 for the season with six home runs.

OF — Nelson Cruz, Mariners: Cruz went 3 for 4 with two runs scored, a home run, three RBIs and a walk in a win against the Athletics.

DH — Evan Gattis, Astros: Gattis smashed two solo home runs in a win over the Yankees. He finished the game 2 for 4 and now has 22 home runs on the season.

SP — Bartolo Colon, Mets: Colon tossed seven shutout innings in a win over the Phillies. He gave up just five hits and struck out eight.

Key Injuries:

Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, who suffered a torn ACL before the season, is expected to pitch a second simulated game on Friday.

Web Gems:

Ben Revere wished David Price a happy birthday in style:

When communication fails:

The Cubs turn two in style:

Surprise Performers:

Good: Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello: Porcello, fresh off the disabled list, dealt seven shutout innings against the White Sox. He struck out five batters and improved to 6-11 for the season. He also lowered his ERA from 5.81 to 5.47.

Bad: Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto: Cueto was roughed up again on Wednesday. He's now allowed six earned runs in each of his last two starts, giving up 21 hits and four home runs during that stretch. Kansas City shouldn't be worried yet, but Cueto is one of the keys to the Royals' success in the postseason and needs to get things turned around quickly.

Facts of the Day:

Gattis crushes opposing pitching:

Stingy:

Miguel Cabrera is still the best pure hitter in the game right now:

At least they can talk about it together:

If you're wondering what Edwin Encarnacion is doing, he's probably getting a hit:

Paul Goldschmidt is strong:

Off the Field:

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said that Tom Wilhelmsen is the team's closer "as we speak."

The Red Sox activated starting pitcher Rick Porcello from the 15-day disabled list.

Shane Greene will undergo surgery Thursday to correct an artery issue in his right hand.

The Yankees activated starting pitcher Michael Pineda from the 15-day DL.

Reactions:

Andrew McCutchen is a fan of six-run innings:

Scores:

AL:

Astros 6, Yankees 2
Mariners 8, Athletics 2
Tigers 5, Angels 0
Twins 5, Rays 3
Red Sox 3, White Sox 0
Orioles 8, Royals 5
Blue Jays 12, Rangers 4

NL:

Pirates 7, Marlins 2
Dodgers 7, Reds 4
Mets 9, Phillies 4
Rockies 6, Braves 3
Padres 6, Nationals 5
Cardinals 3, Diamondbacks 1
Giants 4, Cubs 2

Interleague:

Indians 6, Brewers 2

A Look Ahead: (All times Eastern)

Blue Jays (71-55) at Rangers (64-61) 2:05 p.m.: Both teams are still in the playoff picture, and have steadily been gaining ground recently. Marco Estrada (11-7, 3.27 ERA) will face off against Texas' Yovani Gallardo (10-9, 3.25) in what could be a playoff preview.

Orioles (63-63) at Royals (77-49) 2:10 p.m.: Baltimore beat up on Cueto and the AL-leading Royals on Wednesday, but Yordano Ventura (8-7, 4.64 ERA) has been pitching much better as of late, only allowing three earned runs in his last three starts. He'll face Chris Tillman (9-8, 4.51 ERA), who's allowed 10 earned runs in his last three starts.

Cubs (73-52) at Giants (67-59) 3:45 p.m.: The Cubs will be out for revenge after the Giants snapped their six-game winning streak on Wednesday. Dan Haren (8-8, 3.76 ERA) faces off against Madison Bumgarner (15-6, 3.02 ERA), and his lethal bat, in the series finale.

Alec Brzezinski