Justin Verlander threw the final pitch of his career in the sixth inning against Pittsburgh on Saturday. With Detroit trailing 2-0, manager A.J. Hinch pointed to the front row, and Verlander’s daughter, Genevieve, joined him on the mound for a hug as he left.
Pittsburgh’s two runs came on solo home runs by Jacob Gonzalez and Josh Lowe. Verlander allowed five hits, walked one batter and struck out six.
Verlander announced in July that the season would be his last while he was on the injured list with hip inflammation. He had not pitched in a minor-league rehabilitation game before facing Pittsburgh. His career totals include 3,560 strikeouts, eighth all time, three no-hitters, one MVP award and three Cy Young Awards.
