DETROIT – The Tigers ended a 10-game losing streak to the Los Angeles Angels that dated back to 2012 on Saturday with a 5-2 win behind Max Scherzer.
Scherzer settled down after allowing a leadoff homerun to J.B. Shuck that just stayed fair down the right field line. The defending AL Cy Young Award winner went seven innings while striking out nine and allowed just one run on three hits. He walked two batters and threw 111 pitches in his first victory of the season.
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Rookie Nick Castellanos got the offense started for Detroit, blasting a two-run homerun off of C.J. Wilson in the second inning. Victor Martinez added a homerun of his own in the fifth inning.
Rajai Davis was impressive in the leadoff spot, picking up a single and two walks and seeing a total of 34 pitches in the game.
Joba Chamberlain relieved Scherzer in the eight inning and dazzled with a 1-2-3 frame that included two strikeouts. All eight of his pitches were for strikes.
The only offense for the Angels after the leadoff homerun came from Albert Pujols in the ninth inning. The veteran took closer Joe Nathan deep to left field for career homerun No. 498.
Angels star outfielder Mike Trout had a rough day at the plate, striking out in all four of his at-bats.
Detroit will look to take the rubber match in the series finale Sunday at 1:08 p.m. at Comerica Park.