Justin Verlander helped save Detroit's season with a gutsy effort and the Tigers hit for a sudden cycle to break away from Texas in a 7-5 victory Thursday that cut the Rangers' lead to 3-2 in the AL championship series.
Miguel Cabrera had a tiebreaking double in the sixth inning — thanks to a bizarre bounce off third base — and the Tigers held off Texas despite Nelson Cruz's record fifth home run of the series.
With closer Jose Valverde unavailable for Detroit, the Rangers cut it to 7-5 in the ninth and had Cruz on deck when Phil Coke retired Mike Napoli on a game-ending groundout with two runners on.
The Rangers get another chance to reach the World Series for the second straight season in Game 6 Saturday night at home.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
