What the hell does that title even mean?

Allow me to help you. We are in despair in Detroit. Our early season division hopes were ended too early, and now with a roster chocked full of minor leaguers, we’re fighting for the last wild card.

In stepped Verlander. Our hope was dead – and he picked it up with a performance one can only dream of.

Tiger bats weren’t especially hot early. Nick Castellanos drove in our first run via a solo home run, but twice we left runners on 3rd with one out.

Verlander was ballin’. The 2011 MVP looked like the ace he is (especially lately), cruising through five. We woke up the bats for our G, slapping two two-run dongs to left field (Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez). Credit Rajai Davis and Victor Martinez for busting out of their slumps and being on base.

Now 5-0 and not as firmly tight as a one-run game, Verlander flourished. You could start to sense something special in the air, as JV was continuing to roll hitless. Strap on snarfs: he’s about to take us for another ride.

The 7th inning featured the top of the Angels lineup, including Trouser Trout and Big Albert Pujols. First, Verlander struck out the leadoff man. Next, on a full count, he caught Trout looking on a mini-Yellow Hammer. Trouser stammered to first base with his false walk before being punched out – to his personal dismay. Pujols was the real test. With two strikes right away, JV was able to finish him off with a swinging third strike. By now, fans in Detroit were on their feet. Tears came to my eyes in an electric atmosphere.

Now, there may be one thing manager Brad and I disagree on – better yet, more we disagree on. He said in his postgame the win was more important than the no-no, and I vehemently disagree. The rest of the game was all about JV.

Our offense didn’t give a fuck, knowing a veteran’s pace and rhythm trump runs up five. In the 8th, Verlander walked the leadoff hitter on four pitches. Down 2-0 to the second batter, our young catcher James McCann came out and counseled his pitcher. Even though it looked like it made JV uncomfortable, McCann (to me) wanted to remind him we had his back. Soon after, Detroit swooped a double play, clearing the bases. The final out was handled by Ian Kinsler, ending the 8th. The crowd rose – or stayed risen – to give Verlander an ovation.

After batting, the Tigers took the field for the bottom of the ninth. The only change: Castellanos was replaced by Andrew Romine. Usually, you keep it 100 in a no-hitter. The first Angel swung on a trailing slider for a 2-2 count. The next pitch hung a little too over the plate and was struck down the third base line, dusting the chalk tragically fair. Our collective hearts let out a sigh, but Verlander kept his composure. With a man on second, he 1-2-3’d the team he rightfully dominated all night long. Thank you, Justin, for another memory we will never forget.