Howie Kendrick drove in three runs and Hideki Matsui had a pair of RBIs and the Los Angeles Angels held on for a 6-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday.

Scott Kazmir (1-1) had a better showing in his second start of the season, striking out seven and allowing two runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Kendrick’s double in the third gave the Angels a 3-0 lead and he added a fielder’s choice an inning later. Matsui doubled in two more runs in the fifth.

The Tigers made things interesting with two runs in the sixth and three more on Miguel Cabrera’s double that cut the deficit to one run.

Fernando Rodney shut the door in the ninth for his fifth save in as many chances.

Detroit starter Rick Porcello (1-1) was tagged for six runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings.