DETROIT, July 16 (UPI) -- Brennan Boesch slugged a two-run homer in the seventh inning Monday, breaking a 5-5 tie and sending Detroit past the Los Angeles Angels 8-6.
Trailing 5-4 entering the frame, Quintin Berry stole third with two outs and Delmon Young followed with a sacrifice fly, tying the contest.
Boesch then belted an offering from LaTroy Hawkins (2-2) deep into the right-field stands, scoring Prince Fielder ahead of him to put the Tigers in front for good.
Berry (3-for-5, two runs scored) added an RBI single in the eighth for an insurance run as the Tigers took the opener of a four-game series.
Octavio Dotel (3-2) was credited with the victory after tossing 1 1/3 frames of scoreless relief and Jose Valverde picked up his 17th save for Detroit, which won for the the eighth time in nine contests.
Torii Hunter went 4-for-5 with three RBI for Los Angeles.
