Posted by Brian Joseph on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 12:00 am

It was a two-horse race but Zack Greinke couldn’t repeat as BDD’s Pitcher of the Month. Instead, Justin Verlander received 10 of the 14 first place votes and appeared on 12 of the 14 writer ballots cast to earn the title.

Verlander continued to impress as he has throughout his career in May. The Tigers ace went 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA and 0.895 WHIP. More impressive were his 56 strikeouts in 41-1/3 innings worked which computes to 12.2 K/9. Also, Verlander limited his walks to 11 which put his K/BB at 5.1.

Verlander notched back-to-back wins against the Indians on May 3rd and May 8th. On the 14th, he left the game with a lead but ended up with a no decision. Then, he closed out the month with wins at home against the Rangers and on the road against the Royals and Orioles.

Also receiving first place votes were Greinke who went 3-1 with a 1.57 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in six starts. He also threw three complete games and a six-hit shutout against the White Sox on May 4th. All six of Greinke’s starts were quality starts. Verlander’s teammate Rick Porcello also received first place consideration as he posted a 5-0 record in five starts to go with a 1.50 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. The rookie only pitched 30 innings but struck out 20 while walking 10 in wins over the Twins, Indians, Athletics, Rockies and Royals.

Previous Pitcher of the Month Winners

April: Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals
Greinke was 5-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 0.89 WHIP.