ARLINGTON, Texas, May 7 (UPI) -- Ivan Rodriguez lined a two-run homer to right off reliever Jeff Nelson in the eighth Friday night, snapping a tie and boosting Detroit past Texas, 8-7.
After Fernando Vina reached on an infield single with one out in the eighth, Nelson was summoned to face Rodriguez. The former Texas catcher came into the contest three for 25 with 10 strikeouts in his career against Nelson, but his opposite field shot just cleared the wall to give Detroit a 7-5 advantage.
The Rangers batted around and scored four first-inning runs against Tigers' starter Jeremy Bonderman, including Michael Young's fifth career leadoff homer.
Bonderman bounced back and set down 14 straight from the first through fifth inning.
Erasmo Ramirez (1-2) took the loss in relief of Joaquin Benoit, who could not hold the early lead and gave up five runs and six hits in six innings.
Ugueth Urbina gave up two runs in a shaky ninth, but earned his third save when Kevin Mench fouled out with the tying run at first.
