The game was decided before the fifth inning began. Detroit scored three runs in the third and five more in the fourth, burying Houston early and never looking back in an 8-0 victory at Comerica Park on Friday night.
Keider Montero was the story on the mound. The right-hander worked seven innings, allowing five hits, one walk, and striking out three while keeping the Astros off the board entirely. He threw 96 pitches and earned his fourth win of the season, now 4-5 with a 3.39 ERA.
The offense ignited in the third when Outman scored on a throwing error by catcher Yainer Diaz, giving Detroit a 1-0 lead. Kerry Carpenter then homered to right, a 412-foot shot that brought McGonigle home and pushed the advantage to 3-0. The fourth inning was more of the same. Colt Keith homered to right at 341 feet to make it 4-0. James Outman followed with a three-run homer to right at 407 feet, scoring McKinstry and Vierling to extend the lead to 7-0. Dillon Dingler capped the scoring with a single to center that brought McGonigle home for the eighth run.
Spencer Arrighetti absorbed the damage for Houston. He lasted just three innings, surrendering all eight runs on five hits and five walks while striking out seven. He falls to 7-4 on the season with a 4.00 ERA. Nate Pearson worked the final three innings for the Astros, allowing one hit and no runs.
Detroit snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 34-47. Houston, which had won three straight entering the night, dropped to 40-43.