VIERA, Fla. -- Right-hander Justin Verlander proved to be too much for the Nationals as the Tigers cruised, 6-1, at Space Coast Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Tigers won their 17th game of the exhibition season, while the Nationals find themselves on a seven-game losing streak.

Verlander pitched six shutout innings and allowed six hits while striking out seven. The only time Washington had runners in scoring position against the right-hander was in the second. Wilson Ramos doubled with one out, but Ramos was left stranded after Roger Bernadina and Alex Cora flew out to center and right field, respectively, to end the inning.

Left-hander Tom Gorzelanny was on the mound for Washington and he was solid, pitching five innings and allowing two runs on four hits. The two runs were scored in the third inning, when Don Kelly hit a two-run homer.

Detroit added to its lead in the seventh inning. Throwing errors by Ramos and Cora allowed two runs to score.

Washington scored its only run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Pinch-hitter Matt Stairs took Ryan Perry deep over the right-field wall for a solo homer.

The Tigers scored again in the eighth inning, when Danny Worth hit a two-run double off reliever Drew Storen.

Up next for Tigers: The Tigers travel to Kissimmee, Fla., to play the Astros on Monday at 1:05 p.m. ET, with the game available on Gameday Audio. Left-hander Phil Coke will get the start for Detroit. In his last start, Coke lasted 3 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs -- three earned -- against the Cardinals.

Up next for next Nationals: The team travels to Jupiter, Fla., to play the Cardinals on Monday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. ET. Right-hander Livan Hernandez will get the start for Washington and is expected to go at least five innings.