Cameron Maybin's seventh-inning solo homer provided a critical insurance run for Verlander (14-7), who won for the seventh time in eight decisions since July 2. Francisco Rodriguez entered with the potential tying run at the plate in the eighth and recorded his 36th save of the season, his third of the four-out variety.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Early jump: Pujols drove an 0-1 fastball to the bullpen in left-center field to put the Angels on the board early. That was his 585th career homer, pulling him within one of Frank Robinson for ninth all-time.