Boesch, Santiago homer as Tigers top Pirates 6-2
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.