MLB: Detroit 5, New York Mets 2

DETROIT, June 30 (UPI) -- Justin Verlander went seven strong innings for Detroit Thursday and the Tigers beat the New York Mets 5-2 to avoid a sweep.

Andy Dirks had two hits, including a solo home run, and scored two runs for the Tigers, who also got an RBI from Austin Jackson in winning for the fifth time in their last eight games.

Verlander (11-3) allowed one run on seven hits and two walks, and struck out six.

The Mets got solo home runs from Daniel Murphy and Carlos Beltran.

Starter Mike Pelfrey (4-7) allowed five runs -- four earned -- on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings for the Mets, who lost for the first time in five games.