Indians 2, Tigers 1
DETROIT -- Marlon Byrd's tie-breaking leadoff home run in the seventh inning backed the combined four-hit pitching of Josh Tomlin and three relievers Friday night and gave the Cleveland Indians a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
Byrd's second home run of the season came on the first pitch of the inning by Justin Verlander (1-2), who also served up a home run ball to Carlos Santana to open the game.
Santana, batting leadoff for the first time in his career because Cleveland manager Terry Francona wanted to "grind" Verlander and "get him out of there" as early as possible, hit a 3-2 pitch into the seats in right center to give Indians starter Tomlin an early lead.
Byrd's home run was also to right center.
Verlander fanned 10 Indians, marking the 30th time in his career he has reached double digits in strikeouts. He allowed just four hits in seven innings with two walks.
Tomlin (2-0) dug in and allowed Detroit just one hit through six innings before the Tigers tied the score at 1-1 in the sixth on a two-out single by Ian Kinsler and a double by Justin Upton.
Tomlin lasted 6 2/3 innings, also giving up four hits with a walk and four strikeouts.
Zach McAllister came on to strike out pinch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia with a runner in scoring position to end the seventh. Brian Shaw worked a clean eighth and Cody Allen the ninth for his fifth save.
NOTES: Indians DH Carlos Santana led off for the first time in his major league career. "I think this is the first game Jose (Ramirez) or Rajai (Davis) haven't played," manager Terry Francona said. "He won't be leading off Saturday." His career on-base percentage is .364. ... Slumping CF Anthony Gose was absent from the Tigers' starting lineup for a second straight game. "I don't think it hurts sometimes to have more than one day off," manager Brad Ausmus said. ... Cleveland LF Michael Brantley will play back-to-back minor-league games this weekend as a possible end to his rehab assignment. "From my side of it," Francona said, "the good news is he feels really good." He could rejoin the Indians early next week. ... Injured Detroit C James McCann (right ankle) could begin a brief rehab assignment in mere days.