Tigers’ P Justin Verlander: Red Sox OF Shane Victorino hit by strikes

The Detroit Tigers have nearly no hit the Boston Red Sox in each of the first two games of the American League Championship Series. However, the Red Sox staged a late rally behind a David Ortiz grand slam to win game 2 6-5 and tie the series at one.

Now, as if the series needed any more drama, a war of words could be starting.

On Tuesday, Tigers’ ace Justin Verlander will be on the hill in game 3. Verlander had some interesting things to say about Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino and the way he gets hit by pitches during Monday’s formal media session.

“I’ve seen pitches that he got hit on that were strikes,’’ Verlander said ia Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston. “So, I mean, I don’t think you can worry about that. I think just whoever is the home plate umpire needs to be aware he’s up there.

“Anything on the inner half, occasionally he’s looking to get hit. He’s up there, he’s right on top of the plate. And his arms are over the batter’s box and over part of the plate. If he doesn’t get out of the way, there could be an occasion that it could be a strike and it actually hits him.”

Victorino has been hit by nine pitches in his postseason career, including four in seven playoff games in 2013. He led the league with 18 HBPs during the regular season, which included 15 HBPs in his last 44 games.

First pitch between the Tigers and Red Sox is set for 4:00 pm EST Tuesday.