DETROIT (AP) - J.D. Martinez hit a three-run homer and Alfredo Simon pitched seven strong innings as the Detroit Tigers beat the Houston Astros 6-2 Friday night.
Simon (5-2) got the win, allowing two unearned runs on four hits and a walk in seven innings. Simon, who struck out five, used his slow curve effectively, throwing it so softly once that it didn't register on the radar gun.
Joba Chamberlain pitched a perfect eighth with a one-run lead, and Tom Gorzelanny finished after Detroit scored three times in the bottom of the inning.
Collin McHugh (5-2) lost for just the second time in his last 14 decisions, giving up three runs on nine hits and a walk in seven innings. McHugh's two losses have been in his last three starts after he had gone unbeaten in 16 outings dating back to last August.
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