MINNEAPOLIS, April 21 (UPI) -- Ivan Rodriguez had four hits and Alex Sanchez drove in three runs Wednesday night as Detroit outslugged Minnesota, 11-8.
Last season, Detroit lost an American League-record 119 games and was 1-14 through 15 games. Behind an improved offense, Detroit is 9-6 this season and an even more surprising 6-3 on the road.
In 2003, Detroit did not notch its ninth victory until the 38th game of the season.
In this one, Rodriguez ignited a four-run first inning with an RBI single and capped a two-run second with a run-scoring base hit. Sanchez had a two-run single in the third as Detroit built a 9-0 lead.
Tigers starter Nate Cornejo could not hang around long enough to earn the win, allowing five runs in 4 1/3 innings. Gary Knotts surrendered two runs in two innings and Al Levine (2-0) notched the win despite allowing a run in 1 2/3 innings.
Ugueth Urbina struck out two in the ninth to notch his first save with Detroit.
