Tigers 6, Indians 0
DETROIT -- J.D. Martinez and Tyler Collins each hit home runs while Alfredo Simon plus two relievers combined for a three-hit shutout Saturday night to help the Detroit Tigers put up a 6-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians for only their fourth win in 16 games.
Simon (12-9), who pitched a one-hit shutout on Aug. 20 but was pummeled for 14 runs in his next two starts, held the Indians hitless for 5 2/3 innings until left fielder Michael Brantley lined a 2-0 pitch into the right-field corner for a double. He also allowed a leadoff single to first baseman Jerry Sands in the seventh.
It was a two-out double in the fifth by second baseman Rougned Odor of Texas that was the only hit Simon allowed the Rangers on Aug. 20.
Simon walked four, struck out five and was removed having thrown 112 pitches through seven innings in favor of right-hander Alex Wilson, who gave up a single in his scoreless eighth. Right-hander Bruce Rondon got the final three outs to complete the shutout.
Right-hander Danny Salazar (12-8) lost to Detroit for the third time in four decisions this season, lasting just 3 2/3 innings. He gave up six runs on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Center fielder Rajai Davis knocked out Salazar with a two-out RBI triple in the fourth. Second baseman Ian Kinsler greeted right-hander Jeff Manship with a single in front of the plate to score Davis. Collins had hit his third home run, a one-out solo shot, earlier in the inning.
Martinez had been without an RBI since being moved to cleanup five games ago and broke through for a two-run homer with two out in the third, his 35th of the season. First baseman Miguel Cabrera walked in front of him.
Rookie Tigers catcher James McCann singled in a run in the second to break a scoreless tie.
NOTES: Tigers LHP Daniel Norris (right oblique) will throw a light bullpen Sunday with RHP Anibal Sanchez (inflamed rotator cuff) doing likewise Sunday or Monday. ... Indians RHP Carlos Carrasco (right shoulder) threw a satisfactory bullpen and manager Terry Francona declared him fit to start Tuesday. ... Slumping Detroit DH Victor Martinez won't be dropped lower than his current fifth spot in the batting order. "We need his production," manager Brad Ausmus said. ... RF Lonnie Chisenhall entered Saturday hitting .378 since his recall from the minors and manager Terry Francona says confidence is a big part of that. "I just think it plays such a big part in our game," Francona said.