HOUSTON — David Freese delivered a two-strike, two-out, two-run double in a three-run eighth inning that helped the Los Angeles Angels to a 6-5 win over the Houston Astros and a critical three-game series victory on Wednesday at Minute Maid Park.
Freese pushed the Angels in front with his blast to left-center field off Pat Neshek. The long drive just eluded Colby Rasmus at the left-field wall.
Mike Trout, who doubled against Will Harris leading off the eighth, and pinch-runner Collin Cowgill scored on Freese’s double to erase the Astros’ 4-3 lead. Carlos Perez, a former Astros farmhand, added an RBI single to chase Neshek.
The Angels closed to within 1 1/2 games of the Astros in the chase for the second wild card in the American League.
Tigers 7, White Sox 4
DETROIT — Justin Verlander pitched seven strong innings and Victor Martinez blasted his 200th career home run to lead Detroit over Chicago at Comerica Park.
Verlander struck out eight and gave up three runs and five hits in his final home start of the year. Martinez gave Verlander an early cushion with his two-run shot in the first inning.
Rajai Davis, whose walkoff triple gave Detroit a 2-1, 10-inning victory on Tuesday, supplied three hits and scored three runs. J.D. Martinez added a two-run double and Neftali Feliz notched his eighth save for the Tigers.
Melky Cabrera had three hits, including his 100th career homer, and drove in three runs for the White Sox. Frankie Montas gave up six runs and six hits in his first big league start.