DETROIT, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Sean Casey drove in three runs and Justin Verlander worked seven innings Monday as the Detroit Tigers posted a 7-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Casey went 3-for-4 and teammate Craig Monroe had a two-run homer for the Tigers, who ended a three-game losing streak. The win also increased Detroit's lead to 6 1/2 games over Chicago for the top spot in the division.
The White Sox's lead for the wild card fell to one-half game over Minnesota.
Verlander (15-6) allowed just one on five hits to end a personal two-game losing streak. Verlander's 15 wins are the most by a Tigers rookie since 1977.
Jose Contreras (11-6) allowed seven runs on eight hits in five-plus innings and has won just twice since having his personal unbeaten streak of 17 games ended on July 14. Contreras has allowed 14 earned runs over his last two starts (11 2/3 innings).
Jermaine Dye's career-high 34th home run of the season accounted for Chicago's only run as the White Sox have now lost five of their last seven games.
