Detroit beats Texas in series finale, 4-1
DETROIT (AP) -- Max Scherzer threw seven scoreless innings and Gerald Laird hit a two-run homer, helping the Detroit Tigers beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 on Wednesday to snap a seven-game skid.
Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera drove in runs in the seventh to give Detroit a four-run lead.
Scherzer (7-7) gave up four hits and three walks, throwing a career-high 123 pitches. Phil Coke pitched a perfect eighth and Jose Valverde had a shaky ninth.
Valverde walked Ian Kinsler, hit Vladimir Guerrero and allowed both to advance on a wild pitch. Josh Hamilton's groundout pulled Texas within three.
Nelson Cruz struck out and David Murphy grounded out to end the threat.
Colby Lewis (9-6) allowed four runs and nine hits over seven innings for the AL West-leading Rangers.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
