Francisco Rodriguez, the Tigers' once-embattled and later demoted closer, entered to start the top of the eighth.
Left fielder Justin Upton threw Kole Calhoun out trying to stretch a single into a double to lead off the inning. Albert Pujols then popped out to first baseman John Hicks -- in for Miguel Cabrera -- who was leaning against the tarp in foul territory. Yunel Escobar then grounded out to third base to end the half inning.
Going to the bottom of the eighth, the Angels still have an 11-4 lead.
Tigers miss opportunity in 7th
The Tigers left runners in scoring position in the bottom of the seventh inning.