DETROIT -- Even when hes behind in the count, Victor Martinez is a tough hitter to face these days. "You cant set Victor Martinez up -- hes just too good at getting the barrel to the ball," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said. "I dont think it matters what pitch you throw, hes generally going to find a way to do it." Martinez hit a solo homer in sixth inning and Miguel Cabrera also went deep for the Tigers, who won their eighth straight game Wednesday night, 3-2 over the Houston Astros. Martinezs homer came on an 0-2 pitch, when Astros starter Brad Peacock tried to throw a high fastball past the designated hitter. "I have no idea how Victor Martinez even hit that pitch," Houston manager Bo Porter said. "That was up in his eyes and, he not only got a bat on it, he knocked it out of the park." Martinez extended his hitting streak to 10 games, and Rick Porcello (5-1) allowed two runs and seven hits in 6 2-3 innings for the surging Tigers, who remained five games ahead of the second-place Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. Porcello struck out five and walked two. Even Detroits maligned bullpen looked impressive Wednesday. Joba Chamberlain got four outs in relief, striking out the side in the eighth. Joe Nathan pitched the ninth for his seventh save in nine chances. He struck out two, getting Matt Dominguez swinging with a man on third to preserve the win. Houston has lost five straight and seven of eight. Peacock (0-3) allowed three runs and four hits in 6 2-3 innings. He struck out four and walked four. After a slow start, Cabrera is again swinging the bat with authority for the Tigers. After homering in a four-hit, four-RBI performance Tuesday night, he stepped to the plate with a man on Wednesday and lifted a drive to deep right. Houstons George Springer tried valiantly to make the catch at the wall, but the ball nicked off his glove and went over, and the outfielder fell to the ground. It was Cabreras fourth homer of the year. Porcello allowed a run in the third when Marwin Gonzalez doubled and eventually scored on Dexter Fowlers groundout, but the Detroit infield turned double plays in the fifth and sixth to help the 25-year-old right-hander. In the fifth, Gonzalez was on first and took off toward second when Jose Altuve hit a grounder up the middle. Detroit second baseman Ian Kinsler, in the area because of the steal attempt, simply picked up the ball, stepped on the bag and threw to first for the double play. Martinez homered to right to make it 3-1. It was his sixth home run of the season, and hes now hitting .318 with only five strikeouts all year. With two strikes on him, Martinez was ready for a fastball. "I was looking high fastball," Martinez said. "As soon as I saw it, I was making sure that I get on top." Houston answered with a run in the seventh, chasing Porcello. Marc Krauss hit a two-out double, Dominguez followed with a single, and Gonzalez singled to drive in Krauss. Chamberlain came on and retired Altuve with men on first and second to end that threat. The big reliever then struck out three in the eighth. "Brad was the first one on the stairs and said, You got the eighth," Chamberlain said. "I figured after we got out of the (seventh) that was going to be the case. Just prepare, look up and see whos going to be coming up for their lineup, and kind of a mental plan of what you want to do. It worked out." Nathan entered in the ninth and allowed a two-out walk to Krauss. Pinch-runner Jonathan Villar stole second and third, but Dominguez went down swinging to end it. NOTES: The game started after a 9-minute rain delay, and the wet weather persisted during the early innings. ... Detroits Torii Hunter had his hitting streak snapped at 13 games. ... Peacock has gone eight straight starts -- dating to last season -- without allowing more than three earned runs. ... Springer struck out three times. ... Detroits Drew Smyly (2-1) faces Houstons Dallas Keuchel (2-2) on Thursday in a matchup of former college teammates at Arkansas. Grant Fuhr Jersey . According to Dave Stubbs of The Montreal Gazette, preliminary talks have begun between Markov - an unrestricted free agent this summer - and general manager Marc Bergevin. Kris Russell Oilers Jersey . After overcoming a three-goal deficit the Senators forced the game to overtime only to watch it slip away as Seth Jones scored the winner 3:49 into the extra period as the Nashville Predators defeated the Senators 4-3 Monday night. http://www.officialoilersfanstore.com/authentic-mark-fayne-oilers-jersey/ . 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The 30-year-old, who is Englands all-time leading goalscorer, has played more of a midfield role this season for his club Manchester United.It was put to him by a Russian journalist in todays press conference that Saturdays opening Euro 2016 opponents no longer fear Rooney, but the England captain was defiant in his response. Everyone who watches football is entitled to opinions, said Rooney.I know the qualities I have and I dont need to sit here and defend myself.Im aware that my game has changed slightly over the years and in my opinion it has changed for the better, but the opinions that matter to me are those of my coaches. Sky Sports Euro 2016 predictor Make your predictions with our interactive wall chart here Rooney became Englands most prolific goalscorer in September when his strike against Switzerland took him to 50 goals for the Three Lions. Hodgson all jokes at training Roy Hodgson held up a mini teamsheet during training A knee injury in February put Rooney on the backfoot for the Euros, but the striker has returned to the England squad and has been assured of his starting place by manager Roy Hodgson.The England manager has offered his backing to his captain several times in recent months and Rooney is confident he and his team-mates can repay his faith. Rooney is set to start in a support role to either Jamie Vardy or Harry Kane We have to be resilieent, said Rooney.ddddddddddddWe know how important the first game is. It cost us two years ago (a 2-1 defeat to Italy in World Cup 2014) and in the first game its important to get off to a good start.Weve talked about that as a group of players and we are ready for the game tomorrow night. Roy Hodgson says England are ready for their opening game of Euro 2016 You can feel the buzz around the place, everyone is excited for this game and its important we go in and take our performance levels into the game and get off to a good start.We have a very talented squad that are capable of big things but tournament football is different so I think its a big challenge for us as a squad and were hoping and we believe we can do well.England kick off their tournament on Saturday against Group B opponents Russia in Marseille.Catch up with all the latest Euro 2016 news with Euro Breakfast each morning on Sky Sports News HQ from 6am Also See: FA condemns fan violence England v Russia preview Roys mini teamsheet How far will England go? ' ' '