Tigers rally late in the 8th to take down Angels, 5-3

Jhonny Peralta hit a two-run double during a three-run 8th inning that sent the Detroit Tigers to a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

The Tigers trailed 3-0 before scoring twice in the 6th inning and taking the lead in their last at-bat. With men on first and third, Peralta hit a line drive just fair down the left-field line off Garrett Richards (3-3). Alex Avila then added an RBI single.

Rookie Drew Smyly allowed one earned run and four hits in six innings for the Tigers in his return from a strained muscle in his right side. He struck out six and walked two. Octavio Dotel (4-2) threw two scoreless innings for the win and Jose Valverde pitched a perfect 9th inning for his 26th save in 30 chances.

With the Chicago White Sox's 5-4 win over Seattle, the Tigers remain 2 1/2 games behind them for 1st place in the American League Central Division. Detroit will aim to close the gap when they face the L.A. Angels at Comerica Park this Sunday afternoon at 1 pm.