MLB: Detroit 4, Texas 1

DETROIT, July 21 (UPI) -- Max Scherzer and two relievers combined on a four-hitter Wednesday and the Detroit Tigers ended a seven-game losing streak with a 4-1 decision over Texas.

Scherzer (7-7) improved to 5-1 in his last seven starts, striking out five and allowing the Rangers all their hits over seven shutout innings.

Gerald Laird gave Detroit the lead with a two-run homer in the second and the Tigers added two in the seventh on an RBI single from Magglio Ordonez and a sacrifice fly by Miguel Cabrera.

Texas, which had won its previous three games, missed a chance to increase what is now a five-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West. The Angels fell to the New York Yankees 10-6 Wednesday.

The Rangers and Angels open a four-game series in Arlington Thursday.

Texas completed a 5-2 road trip to Boston and Detroit. The Rangers had won just two games in Boston and Detroit during the previous two seasons combined.

Colby Lewis (9-6) took the loss, surrendering four runs on nine hits in seven innings.