Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Brennan Boesch belted a tie-breaking solo homer off Mike Adams with one out in the eighth inning, lifting Detroit to a 6-5 win over Texas in a battle of division leaders.
Jose Valverde converted his 29th consecutive save to begin the season, barely escaping a jam in the ninth inning, as the AL Central Division leaders beat the Rangers for the 15th time in the last 18 games at Comerica Park. Boesch, who had three hits, fouled off four straight pitches before taking a ball. He then belted his 16th homer of the year, a shot to right field through the raindrops. The AL West front-runners caught a pair of breaks in the top of the ninth, but couldn't convert. Josh Hamilton's grounder glanced off the glove of first baseman Miguel Cabrera to keep the game alive. Michael Young's grounder to shortstop went up the glove of Jhonny Peralta and the throw was on time to first base, but first base umpire John Tumpane ruled the call safe. Valverde then retired Nelson Cruz on a fly ball to left field to cap the opener of this three-game series.