Center fielder James Outman made a standout play in the first inning, tracking down a 101.1 mph flyout from Josh Smith near the deepest warning track to prevent a potential home run.
"[Outman] played great," manager A. J.
Hinch said.
"And one of the reasons he's been a mainstay in the lineup since he's gotten here is because he brings defense and speed every day, and his pre-pitch is great ...
his angles are really good, and he completes plays. So when you do that, you get to stay in the lineup."
Detroit added an unearned run in the second inning after an outfield error by Texas' Alejandro Osuna allowed Colt Keith to score following a groundout by Ben Malgeri.
Keider Montero relieved Flaherty and pitched three perfect innings to earn his first career regular-season save.
The Rangers offense managed only three hits, with Josh Jung the lone runner to reach second base.
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The series concludes Sunday with Casey Mize scheduled to start for the Tigers against Kumar Rocker for Texas.
