Wilson Betemit's RBI single in the eighth inning lifted the visiting Detroit Tigers to a 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

Detroit increased its lead to two games over Cleveland in the American League Central and 4 1/2 over Chicago.

Victor Martinez led off the eighth with a walk against Will Ohman (0-2) before being lifted for pinch-runner Andy Dirks, who stole second. With two out, Betemit fouled off four two-strike pitches before singling to center to score Dirks.

Justin Verlander (14-5) allowed four runs and seven hits, and struck out seven in eight innings, and Jose Valverde shut the White Sox down in the ninth for his 27th save.

Adam Dunn's two-run homer in the first gave Chicago a 2-0 lead before Detroit countered with three runs in the sixth to build a 4-2 advantage. The White Sox pulled even in the bottom of the frame on a two-run shot by Paul Konerko.

Miguel Cabrera delivered RBI singles in the fourth and sixth for Detroit.

Jake Peavy allowed four runs, 10 hits and struck out six in six innings for Chicago.