Tigers 7, Astros 2: Andy Dirks highlighted a three-hit performance with his first career grand slam and Anibal Sanchez was solid through seven innings as host Detroit began a three-game series with an easy win.

Victor Martinez had a two-run homer and Torii Hunter doubled in a run for the Tigers, who are 5-0 against Houston this month and 1-5 against all other opponents. Sanchez (4-3) allowed two runs and struck out eight to improve to 4-1 lifetime versus the Astros, who lost two key players to injury.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve departed with a subluxed right jaw after colliding with right fielder Jimmy Paredes in the second inning. Starter Bud Norris (4-4), who gave up seven runs in five innings, was removed due to back spasms after warming up for the sixth.

Norris was staked to an early 2-1 lead before it all fell apart in the fourth. Martinez followed Prince Fielder's leadoff double with his second home run to make it 3-2, and Dirks followed two singles and a walk with a blast over the wall in right on an 0-2 offering from Norris.

Robbie Grossman went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a run scored for the Astros, who are 1-21 when their opponent scores first.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Detroit placed CF Austin Jackson on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a pulled right hamstring. ... Dirks is 11-for-26 with three homers in his last seven games. ... Norris leads the Astros in wins and innings pitched (50).