DETROIT, May 13 (UPI) -- Andy Dirks blasted a grand slam to back a strong start from Anibal Sanchez Monday, propelling the Detroit Tigers over Houston 7-2.
The Tigers were trailing 2-1 in the fourth inning when they erupted for six runs.
Prince Fielder led off the frame with a double and Victor Martinez followed with a go-ahead two-run homer off Astros starter Bud Norris.
One out later, Jhonny Peralta and Don Kelly collected consecutive singles, Omar Infante walked to load the bases and Dirks followed with a line drive homer into the right-field bleachers.
Sanchez (4-3) controlled the Astros on two runs over seven innings, yielding six hits and a walk while striking out eight as the Tigers took the opener of a three-game series.
Norris (4-4) was rocked for seven runs on nine hits over five full frames.
Robbie Grossman went 2-for-4 with an RBI for Houston, which dropped a fifth straight.
