Justin Verlander returned to form Friday night as he held the Twins to one run in 7 2/3 innings of work. He walked one, struck out six, and allowed five hits. While not over-powering Verlander pitched well through seven innings, giving up three singles in the eighth, one of the infield variety, to allow his only run of the game.

Ervin Santana, also lately returned to the game, did not fare so well. The Tigers hit three home runs in four innings off Santana, scoring six runs. In his two starts totaling 12 innings, Santana struck out 13, but allowed four homers and six walks.

The Twins bullpen was up to the task, however, and pitched five scoreless innings, walking none, striking out six, and giving up four hits. That, at least gave the Twins a chance to come back against the Tigers.

Come back they did. After scoring one in the eighth, they scored seven in the ninth as Bruce Rondon and Joakim Soria combined to allow five hits, a walk, and a Brian Dozier three-run, game winning homer. The Twins win 8-6 to split the first two game of the series with the Tigers. Dozier now has 48 extra base hits, more than half of his 88 total hits.