DETROIT (AP) -- Alex Avila and Torii Hunter hit homers in a five-run second inning and the Detroit Tigers scored five more runs in the fourth inning of an 11-1 rout of the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
The AL Central-leading Tigers took the two-game series. They have won five straight and nine of 10 to move 16 games over .500 for the first time this season, but they're not in the mood to celebrate. Miguel Cabrera was out of the lineup, a day after aggravating an injury, and Jhonny Peralta was in it perhaps for the last time in a long time.
Justin Verlander (11-8) shook off a shaky start by giving up one run, four hits and five walks while striking out six over six innings.
Gio Gonzalez (7-4) gave up 10 runs -- one short of his career high -- and 11 hits over 3 1-3 innings.
