Indians 3, Tigers 2
Asdrubal Cabrera had a pair of hits and doubled home what proved to be the deciding run to lift visiting Cleveland.
Michael Brantley and Jack Hannahan contributed run-scoring hits and Justin Masterson went six strong six innings as Cleveland handed Detroit its second loss in as many nights and dropped the Tigers four games out of the wild-card race.
Masterson (11-12) allowed only four hits, surrendering a two-run homer in the sixth to Miguel Cabrera. Three relievers bridged the gap to closer Chris Perez, who worked a perfect ninth for his 34th save.
Tigers starter Rick Porcello (9-11) lost his fifth consecutive start, lasting 5 2/3 innings and allowing three runs on eight hits as Detroit squandered a chance to gain ground on AL Central leader Chicago.
Brantley doubled in the first run to extend his RBI streak to four games and scored on Hannahan's single for a 2-0 lead in the second inning.
Asdrubal's Cabrera's ground-rule double in the third inning plated Shin-Soo Choo with Cleveland's third run, but Miguel Cabrera cut the deficit to 3-2 in the sixth with a laser into the seats in left - his 34th homer and major league-leading 15th blast with two outs.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Tigers manager Jim Leyland opted not to start LF Delmon Young, who was 3-for-20 against Masterson. Young grounded out in the ninth as a pinch hitter to halt a nine-game hitting streak. ... Asdrubal Cabrera had his second straight multi-hit game following a 2-for-31 slump. ... Tigers 1B Prince Fielder has reached base safely in 25 consecutive games, the longest streak by a Detroit player this year. ... Indians closer Perez rejoined the team Tuesday. He was on paternity leave to be with his wife for the birth of their daughter. ... Miguel Cabrera was named the AL Player of the month for August. Cabrera batted .357 with eight homers and 24 RBIs in 26 games. ... Tigers reliever Al Alburquerque made his season debut, retiring all four batters he faced. He had been rehabbing from offseason elbow surgery.