Verlander wins 20th game for Tigers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Even on a day when Justin Verlander said he couldn't find a single pitch that was working for him, he still managed to do just enough to secure the first 20-victory season of his career.

It was the kind of outing that exemplified what a special season Verlander is having, and the kind of outing that has the Detroit Tigers thinking they have all the pieces for a deep October run.

Verlander became the majors' first 20-game winner, grinding through six innings in the Detroit Tigers' 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.

Verlander (20-5) gave up four runs on eight hits with six strikeouts and three walks to become the first pitcher to win 20 games before the end of August since Arizona's