The Tigers needed an outstanding outing from Justin Verlander, and he gave the team what they needed. He lasted 7 1/3 innings, striking out eight, giving up eight hits and three walks. The Rangers worked him, pushing him to 133 pitches. The last one left the ballpark, as Nelson Cruz hit his fifth homer of the series. Justin was able to go deep enough to allow Phil Coke to finish the game for the win.

The Tigers offense helped by giving Verlander a big cushion, hitting for a natural cycle with the first four batters in the inning to give Justin a 6-2 lead. He had just pitched out of a one-out, bases loaded situation by inducing a double play. The sixth was the turning point of the game. Delmon Young hit his second homer of the game to end the cycle sequence.

The Rangers did not go quietly, and put the tying run on base in the ninth. The cushion was big enough for Phil Coke to make some mistakes that inning and still get the save as the Tigers win 7-5.

It’s been a close fought series, with the two games won by four runs going into extra inning. The teams play in Texas on Saturday night, and the Tigers try to survive one more game.