Carlos Guillen had a pair of hits and drove in two runs before exiting with a hamstring injury as the Detroit Tigers struck in the earling innings and secured a 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday.

Miguel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez and Adam Everett all drove in runs as the Tigers chased Angels starter Joe Saunders in the third inning.

Justin Verlander (1-1) picked up his first win in four tries despite surrendering four runs on six hits with four walks and four strikeouts in five innings.

Three relievers bridged the gap to closer Jose Valverde, who worked ninth inning in earning the save despite allowing the game-tying run on base via a walk. However, the right-hander forced a double-play and a groundout to escape.

Saunders (1-3), was tagged for five runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings.

After Detroit took a 5-2 lead following the third inning, the Angels got back within a run on a single by Mike Napoli and a home run from Hideki Matsui. Kendry Morales also had a two-run single in the first.

Guillen left with a hamstring strain during the fifth inning.