DETROIT (AP) — Brennan Boesch hit a solo shot in a three-run fourth inning and Ramon Santiago had a two-run homer in a three-run sixth, lifting the Detroit Tigers to a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.
Justin Verlander (7-4) gave up two runs on four hits and matched a season high with four walks in seven-plus innings.
Ross Ohlendorf (0-4) allowed six runs — all with two outs — and 10 hits in six innings.
Both starters didn't give up a hit until the third, when Andrew McCutchen's RBI double put Pittsburgh ahead 1-0.
McCutchen doubled to lead off the eighth and Neil Walker walked on four pitches, chasing Verlander. Phil Coke got Ryan Doumit to hit into a double play, then Garrett Jones hit an RBI single to make it 6-2.
Jose Valverde pitched the ninth and didn't give up a run for his 24th straight outing. Valverde did allow a one-out walk before closing the game with a fielder's choice and strikeout.
Detroit center fielder Austin Jackson prevented Pittsburgh from scoring earlier in the game, making a pair of back-to-the-plate, underhanded catches.
Brandon Inge and Alex Avila, two of the weak-hitting Tigers toward the bottom of the lineup, each had three hits and combined to drive in three runs.
Detroit had lost four of six.
The Pirates have lost six straight, one short of their season high.
NOTES: Ohlendorf matched career highs for earned runs and hits. ... Ndamukong Suh, who the Detroit Lions drafted No. 2 overall, threw the first pitch. ... Verlander has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts.
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