Victor Martinez homered to begin a three run second inning and the Tigers would lead 5-0 after four innings, holding on to win 7-5. Justin Verlander threw seven innings and gave up just three runs on seven hits with six strikeouts, but it was Martinez and his three hits which won the game for Detroit.
Martinez’s first hit broke the scoreless tie and he would add two more base knocks and score three times, raising his average to .241.
Martinez delivered just one of his hits against Indians’ starter, Ubaldo Jimenez, who lasted just three innings before leaving the game with 85 pitches.
Jose Valverde made things interesting in the ninth as he usually does, surrendering two home runs to Jason Giambi and Drew Stubbs before shutting the door in a non-save situation.
With the loss, the Indians have fallen to an even .500 record winning and losing 30 games each. Detroit remains in first place in the AL Central and improved to 33-26 with Justin Verlander picking up his eighth win.
