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Verlander, Tigers beat White Sox

Aug 30, 2014 - 5:26 AM Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Justin Verlander gave up nine hits in seven innings, but just one run, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 7-1 on Friday night to open a four-game series.

Verlander (12-11) has won both of his starts since an 11-day rest to take care of his shoulder discomfort. He matched a season high with eight strikeouts, walked two and threw 116 pitches, including 77 for strikes.

J.D. Martinez had three hits and Ian Kinsler and Torii Hunter each drove in two runs for the Tigers, who have won five of their last six to move within a half-game of Kansas City for first place in the AL Central.

Chicago has dropped nine of its last 10. Scott Carroll (5-9) took the loss in this one after giving up seven runs -- three earned -- in five-plus innings.

The White Sox had 10 hits but scored their only run on Adam Dunn's sacrifice fly in the first inning.

"It never seemed comfortable," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said, "but it certainly wasn't a nail-biter."

Chicago manager Robin Ventura said his team missed a chance against Verlander.

"He usually gets stronger as the game goes along," Ventura said. "You see him get into a tough spot and all of a sudden he gets up to 95 (mph). You have to take advantage of (him) early and we just missed our shot."

Ian Kinsler hit an RBI double and Hunter added a sacrifice fly in the third to give the Tigers the lead.

A five-run Detroit rally in the fourth included two errors by White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu and RBI doubles from Hunter and Alex Avila.

Game Notes

Carroll gave up 10 hits without issuing a walk and struck out two. He pitched to one batter in the sixth inning ... The White Sox were hitless in nine at- bats with runners in scoring position.