Cabrera powers Tigers past Indians 12-0
DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera drove in five runs with a homer and double to surpass 100 RBIs for the 12th time while Justin Verlander dominated the Cleveland Indians' reserve-laden lineup with 7 2/3 innings of four-hit ball Tuesday night to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 12-0 victory.
The win pulled Detroit to within one game of Baltimore for the second American League wild-card spot with five games to play.
Justin Upton added a three-run homer and Andrew Romine hit a two-run shot for the Tigers.
The fourth single allowed by Verlander (16-8) and third by Erik Gonzalez ended the right-hander's night after 110 pitches. He struck out 12 and walked one. It was the eighth time this year Verlander has recorded double-digit strikeouts and 37th time in his career.
Kyle Ryan got the last four outs for Detroit to complete the shutout.
Cabrera's five RBI put him at 102. Eight of his 12 100-RBI seasons in his 14-year career have come with the Tigers, tying him with Harry Heilmann for most in franchise history.
His two-run double came in the first and his 35th home run of the season came in the second. Ian Kinsler hit an RBI single to make it 6-0 in the fourth as Detroit beat Cleveland for only the third time in 17 tries this season.
Upton hit a hanging slider deep into the left field seats near the foul pole with two on in the seventh, his 29th home run of the season, to hike Detroit's lead to 9-0. Tyler Collins delivered a pinch-hit RBI triple in the eighth and Romine followed with his second home run of the season.
Cabrera's five RBIs came at the expense of Mike Clevinger (2-3), who gave up seven hits in two innings.
Cleveland rested key regulars Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Jason Kipnis and Mike Napoli.
"I think after 155 games," Indians manager Terry Francona explained pre-game, "with what they accomplished, they needed a night where they could watch and enjoy. Then they'll be right back in there Wednesday -- or maybe late in the game.
"In trying to weigh everything, it's good for them to have a day (off). These guys have played a lot."
NOTES: Manager Terry Francona trotted out his 'Z' lineup Tuesday night after his team clinched the American League Central and celebrated the night before. The most prominent regular was DH Carlos Santana and "that's only because we ran out of guys," Francona said. At third was C Chris Gimenez and "I'm not thrilled about that," he said. ... Detroit 3B Nick Castellanos was expected to arrive mid-game from Florida and be activated from disabled list and available to play. "I haven't decided but I might start him at third Wednesday," manager Brad Ausmus said. ... RHP Cory Kluber went to Cleveland for examination of his strained right groin, with Francona optimistic because his ace said it wasn't worse than Monday night. ... Francona shuffled his rotation, pushing RHP Trevor Bauer back from Wednesday to Saturday. RHP Zach McAllister starts Wednesday, LHP Ryan Merritt on Thursday, RHP Josh Tomlin either Friday or Sunday and RHP Adam Plutko going on the other day.