Scherzer, Tigers Blank Astros 3-0

NOAH TRISTER, AP Baseball Writer

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Max Scherzer struck out three in three impressive innings, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Houston Astros 3-0 on Wednesday.

Scherzer allowed one hit and Ian Kinsler contributed an RBI single for the Tigers. Houston managed only three hits against six Detroit pitchers.

Scherzer, the AL Cy Young Award winner, has allowed one run in five innings during spring training. Detroit is set to send Justin Verlander, its other star right-hander, to the mound Thursday against a Philadelphia split squad — weather permitting. Verlander is coming back from offseason surgery and has not pitched in a game this spring.

Jose Altuve singled in the first inning for the only hit off Scherzer. Houston center fielder Dexter Fowler was scratched because of a stiff neck.

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