DETROIT, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Carlos Guillen's second homer of the game led off the bottom of the ninth Tuesday and gave the Detroit Tigers a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers.
Guillen fouled off a 3-1 pitch from Ron Mahay before homering as the Tigers continue to fight off Minnesota and Chicago in the AL Central race.
Detroit came into Tuesday's play 1 1/2 games ahead of the Twins and three in front of the White Sox in the division.
Craig Monroe had three outfield assists, including throwing out two runners at the plate, as the Tigers snapped a three-game skid and won for just the third time in their last 10 games.
Guillen also homered to lead off the second inning.
Marcus Thames tied it for Detroit with a solo homer in the seventh and Fernando Rodney (7-3) threw the final two perfect innings to get the win.
