Tigers 6, Astros 2
DETROIT -- J.D. Martinez blasted a three-run homer in the third inning and the Detroit Tigers pulled away for a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Friday night at Comerica Park.
The right fielder's ninth homer of the season backed a sharp outing by Tigers starter Alfredo Simon (5-2), who did not give up an earned run in seven innings. He allowed two unearned runs and four hits and struck out five to notch his first victory since April 25.
First baseman Miguel Cabrera had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 10 games and scored a run for the Tigers (26-17), who have won the first two games of the four-game series.
Detroit tacked on three insurance runs in the eighth, capped by catcher James McCann's two-run single. Designated hitter Rajai Davis added two hits and an RBI.
Losing pitcher Collin McHugh (5-2) allowed three runs and nine hits in seven innings.
Right fielder George Springer rapped two hits, including a run-scoring double, for the American League West-leading Astros (27-16).
The Astros scored two unearned runs in the third to grab the lead.
With two outs and catcher Jason Castro on third, third baseman Luis Valbuena hit a routine grounder to Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler. The normally sure-handed Kinsler bobbled it as Castro scored. Springer followed with a double to deep center to score Valbuena.
Martinez's home run in the bottom of the inning put Detroit on top.
Back-to-back singles by shortstop Jose Iglesias and center fielder Anthony Gose started the threat. After McHugh retired the next two batters, Martinez smashed an 0-1 pitch into the seats in right for his major-league-high sixth homer to the opposite field.
NOTES: Houston RHP Josh Fields escaped serious injury when he was struck by a line drive during Detroit's 6-5, 11-inning victory on Thursday. He was diagnosed with a bone contusion on the side of his right knee. "He's moving around OK," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "He got a lot of treatment (Friday) and he's sore. It may take a day or two for him to get back going again." ... Detroit ace LHP David Price has five no-decisions, but the club is 8-1 in his starts. "That's all that matters," he said. "If I'm 3-1 at the end of the year and we're 32-1 in my starts, that's pretty darn good." ... The Astros had scored a major-league-high 78 runs in the seventh inning or later entering the game. ... Detroit RHP Bruce Rondon pitched two-thirds of an inning during his first rehab appearance at Triple-A Toledo on Thursday. Rondon, who is on the 15-day disabled list with biceps tendinitis, gave up a run and two hits.