Justin Verlander tossed seven strong innings and the Detroit Tigers gave him plenty of run support in a 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday in their interleague series opener.

Verlander (7-4) allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings. He yielded four walks and struck out two en route to winning his second straight start.

Detroit scored three runs in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead. The Tigers added three more in the sixth to extend their edge to 6-1.

Brennan Boesch homered in the fourth and Ramon Santiago hit a two run shot in the sixth for the Tigers. Alex Avila went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored for Detroit.

Ross Ohlendorf (0-4) allowed six runs and 10 hits in six innings for the Pirates. Ohlendorf struck out six but remains winless in eight starts for the Pirates.