DETROIT -- Texas Rangers starter Matt Harrison said his goal in his last start was to make it better than his first one. And he did that. Despite giving up his first run of the season, Harrison went eight innings in a win over Minnesota.

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"It was better than the first one," Harrison said. "I had some quick innings after my pitch count got up there early and get into the eighth inning. I'm happy with that."

Harrison said he thought his approach to batters, especially against right-handed hitters was better.

"I was aggressive and throwing the ball inside," Harrison said. "I established I could get a strike inside to righties the other day and that really opened up the outer half. I was able to get some quick outs with two-seamers and changeups away."

Against lefties, Harrison said he worked his fastball to both sides and altered things on his off-speed stuff.

"I was throwing off-speed stuff for strikes," Harrison said. "Last year I used more sliders against lefties and I had more curves and changeups."

Harrison has given up just one run in 14 innings this season. He credits his defense and his aggressive approach for that and is committed to continuing it tonight at Comerica Park. He'll face a potent Tigers lineup that's hit the ball well against him in the past.