ARLINGTON, Texas — Six days after the Texas Rangers roared past the Houston Astros to grab first place in the AL West, they find themselves trying to fend off a counterattack in their bid to claim their first division title since 2011.
Justin Verlander allowed one run in six innings, and Tyler Collins' three-run home run sparked a five-run fifth as the Detroit Tigers beat Texas 7-4 on Monday night, handing the Rangers their third straight loss.
It's Texas' longest losing streak since mid-August. Monday's action left the Rangers with a lead of 1 1/2 games over the Astros, who beat the Mariners.