Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 16, 2012 in Kansas City, Mo.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- Detroit ace Justin Verlander pitched three perfect innings Friday in the Tigers' 6-2 loss to the New York Mets.
Verlander fanned three, including a three-pitch strikeout of Mets star David Wright, who never swung during the at-bat in the first inning.
Wright played his final game before leaving to join Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. He later hit an RBI single.
Mets starter Jonathon Niese threw three scoreless innings in his spring debut. He allowed three hits and struck out three.
Justin Turner and Marlon Byrd each had two hits for the Mets.
Prince Fielder got two hits for the Tigers and Avisail Garcia hit a two-run homer.
