Boyd, Avila lead Tigers past Indians 4-1 for series win

The Tigers allowed six runs in the final two innings but held off the Indians, 7-6, in Cleveland.

Scuffling since a season-opening sweep of Texas, Cleveland hitters found their groove in earnest against former Cy Young award victor and American League MVP Justin Verlander and the Tigers in a 13-6 victory that evened the Central Division series at a game apiece. I am not a big believer in momentum in professional sports, but the Indians did come into the game against Justin Verlander ready to hit.

“I would say it did”, Francona said of Bauer’s change in approach.

At the plate, Detroit has been pretty well-rounded this year.

Avila struck out looking in the second, drew a walk in the fourth and then hit his second career home run off Bauer in the sixth.

“When you’re playing in your division you always want to win”, Detroit Manager Brad Ausmus said. Upton followed with a two-run home run to left-center that went an estimated 435 feet. In 2015, his first home run was in the sixth game, but he already had four RBIs collected prior to that dinger.

Boyd took more punches, but he walked off the mound with a 2-1 lead after six innings.

If the Indians aren’t swiping the Tigers’ signs, there are two remaining options: Verlander just had a historically bad day, or he’s tipping his pitches (or perhaps some combination of the two).

But Chisenhall, pinch-hitting for Roberto Perez, hit an 0-1 pitch into the right-field seats for a grand slam.

Verlander has lost eight of his last nine decisions against Cleveland, and his overall record in 49 career starts vs. the Indians is 19-22 with a 4.69 ERA.

“There’s no reason Frankie (Rodriguez) should have to pitch in that game”, Ausmus said. “Today he got a couple of pitches up in the zone and they took advantage of it”. The starter is a flawless 6-0 in his last six starts against the Tigers, who are just 7-20 in their last 27 games against the Indians.

“On a frustrating night, or a frustrating week, I was glad we fought back”, Francona said.

A pair of replay reviews went the Indians’ way in the top of the seventh.

Miggy’s second home run came in Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Indians and pitcher Trevor Bauer. “That’s a trait that I think our guys have been good at”. “I thought he did a real good job of that”.

At Wrigley Field, Pittsburgh doubled up the Cubs 4-2.

“We have wonderful players and thankfully now they’re throwing us pitches that we’re able to dominate, that we’re able to hit well”.

Mariners 5, Rangers 0: James Paxton extended his season-opening scoreless streak to 21 innings, Taylor Motter hit a three-run homer and Seattle beat visiting Texas.

In 166 career games against the Indians, Cabrera has compiled a.351/.428/.610 slash line, with 43 homers, 145 RBI and 34 doubles.

NOTES: The Tigers have optioned RHP William Cuevas to Triple-A Toledo and recalled RHP Warwick Saupold from Toledo. “The at-bat Miggy hit the home run, you can tell that (Bauer) was sitting out over the plate”.

For Carrasco (1-0, 2.13), the start will be a reminder of the last time he pitched against the Tigers. On Sept. 17 of previous year, Carrasco’s second pitch of the game was lined back to the mound by Detroit second baseman Ian Kinsler.