LAKELAND, Fla. -- After watching something Sunday he never had seen in 47 years in Baseball -- a spring training no-hitter -- Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland was effusive in his praise for Florida Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco.
Leyland did not dwell on the zero in his team's hit column after Nolasco and relievers Dan Meyer and Leo Nunez navigated through a Detroit lineup still lacking some of its best hitters. "I'm happy today," Leyland said. "I thought (Tigers starter Justin) Verlander pitched good. The guys came out of the bullpen and pitched good."
Leyland paused, then added: "Hopefully, help's on its way for our offense."
It is. Carlos Guillen, Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera finished playing in the World Baseball Classic after Venezuela's loss Saturday in the semifinals. They should arrive at Marchant Stadium soon.
Meanwhile, Sunday's game gave former Marlins manager Leyland a chance to rave about Nolasco, who is in line to make Florida's Opening Day start.
"That guy was really good," Leyland said. "I've seen no-hitters before, but I've never seen one in spring training."
Nolasco, a 15-game winner for Florida in 2008, gave way to Meyer after seven innings, having allowed only two base runners. Three of Nolasco's eight strikeouts came on called third strikes.
The pitching prowess on display by the Marlins overshadowed another good day for the Tigers' presumed Opening Day starter.
Verlander allowed no runs on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks in five innings.
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