Tigers' Porcello sharp for 4 innings in win over Astros

By: Associated Press

Posted: Mon 5:32 PM, Mar 04, 2013

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - Rick Porcello pitched a spring training-high four scoreless innings, and Alex Avila had three RBIs to lead the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 win over the Houston Astros on Monday.

Porcello, competing with several others for one of the remaining openings in the Tigers rotation, allowed three hits and struck out six. He lowered his spring ERA to 3.38. Potential Tigers closers Brayan Villarreal and Al Albuquerque each struck the side.

For Villarreal, it was his first appearance since his family in Venezuela was the target of an armed kidnapping attempt on Friday. None of his family members were harmed.

Jared Cosart started for the Astros and allowed three runs in two innings. He also walked four.

The Astros walked nine and committed two errors.

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