Justin Verlander Shines in Best 2025 Start Despite Giants' Bullpen Collapse

Justin Verlander delivered his best start of the 2025 season for the San Francisco Giants, throwing seven dominant innings against the Tampa Bay Rays where he allowed only two hits and struck out eight. Despite his strong performance, which had him feeling as good as his Cy Young year three years prior, the Giants' bullpen blew his lead for the sixth time this season, resulting in a frustrating 2-1 loss and contributing to his 1-9 record. The 42-year-old right-hander continues to climb the MLB strikeout list, reaching 3,511 career strikeouts, just four shy of Walter Johnson on the Elias list and 24 away from Gaylord Perry.