DETROIT, July 24 (UPI) -- Justin Verlander's six-hitter Friday lifted Detroit to a 5-1 win over the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.
In the battle for first place in the AL Central Division, the win gave Detroit a one-game lead, pending the outcome of the nightcap.
Verlander (11-5) gave up an unearned run, courtesy of Miguel Cabrera's fourth-inning error.
Placido Polanco led Detroit with three hits and two RBI.
Adam Everett had two hits and one RBI, while Gerald Laird and Ryan Raburn each drove in a run for the Tigers, who had lost five of six.
Chicago's run scored on Gordon Beckham's sacrifice fly.
Carlos Quentin and A.J. Pierzynski had two hits apiece for the White Sox, who are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
Losing pitcher Jose Contreras (4-9) surrendered four runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings with a walk and eight strikeouts.
