Indians 5, Tigers 3: Casey Kotchman had three hits and drove in the winning run as host Cleveland ended a 10-game losing skid to Detroit.
Kotchman snapped a 3-3 tie with a single to shallow center in the sixth inning that scored Michael Brantley and sparked a two-run rally. Kotchman had seen his average dip as low as .186, but now has three multi-hit games in his last eight starts to raise it to .225.
The runs benefited starter Ubaldo Jimenez (5-3), who allowed three runs in six innings. Jimenez, who has won three of his last four starts, survived despite allowing six walks for the second time this season.
Chris Perez pitched the ninth inning for his 14th save. Perez got a warm reception from the fans, whom he had criticized over the weekend for their lack of support.
Detroit starter Rick Porcello (3-4) allowed five runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.
The Tigers took a 3-1 lead in the second thanks to a three-run homer from Alex Avila.
Travis Hafner drove in a pair of runs for the Indians, giving him 21 RBIs for the season.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Detroit originally had CF Austin Jackson in its lineup on Tuesday, but he was scratched after taking batting practice. Jackson has missed five games with an abdominal strain. ... Tigers 2B Ryan Raburn will miss the three-game series against the Cleveland. He was placed on the bereavement list following the death of his grandmother. He’s expected to return on Friday to open a three-game series in Minnesota. ... Detroit closer Jose Valverde didn’t pitch, but he was available after missing nearly a week with a lower back strain.
Detroit | Cleveland | |
Rick Porcello | Player | Ubaldo Jimenez |
Loss | W/L | Win |
5.1 | IP | 6.0 |
6 | Strikeouts | 2 |
8 | Hits | 5 |
6.75 | ERA | 4.50 |
Detroit | Cleveland | |
Andy Dirks | Player | Casey Kotchman |
2 | Hits | 3 |
0 | RBI | 1 |
0 | HR | 0 |
2 | TB | 4 |
.400 | Avg | .750 |