Detroit Tigers beat Cleveland Indians 5-4 after late inning power display from Alex Avila

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Tigers sent rookie starter Kyle Lobstein to the mound in the second game of the series against the Cleveland Indians and won 5-4. Lobstein had trouble in the first inning, giving up a lead off double to Michael Bourn and then a one out, two-run homer to Michael Brantley to give the Indians the lead early. Lobstein retired the Indians in order in the second and third innings, and gave up a soft two out single to Yan Gomes, who was left stranded on first. The fifth inning brought around trouble for Kyle Lobstein, who gave up back to back singles to Lonnie Chisenhall and Jesus Aguilar and then a two run double to Mike Aviles to give the Indians the leas once again. Lobstein’s line: 5.oIP, 6H, 4R, 1BB, 2K.

Al Alburquerque came in to pitch the sixth and sat the Indians down in order after Ian Kinsler and Miguel Cabrera made an outstanding defensive play to start the inning.

Joakim Soria pitched the seventh and and gave up a hit and struck out one.

Joba Chamberlain had another shaky outing in the eighth, allowing baserunners to advance to scoring position, but was saved from giving up at least two runs by spectacular catch by Torii Hunter in right field.

Joe Nathan pitched the ninth, issuing a lead off walk to Jason Kipnis, who was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jose Ramirez. He finished out the inning after giving the Tigers’ fanbase a collective heart attack and notched the save.

The Tigers offense was stymied by Danny Salazar through the first two innings, but tied the game on singles by Nick Castellanos and Rajai Davis. Kinsler singled scoring Castellanos and Torii Hunter hit a sacrifice fly to score Davis and tie the score. Victor Martinez hit his 31st home run of the season in the fourth inning to give the Tigers a 3-2 lead. The lead wouldn’t hold though, and the Tigers would strand runners in the fifth inning. The Tigers threatened again in the sixth inning with two out walks to J.D. Martinez and Alex Avila but Castellanos struck out looking to end the inning and the scoring threat. The Tigers regained the lead in the bottom of the eighth with a two run homer off the bat of Avila.

The Detroit Tigers face the Indians again tomorrow at 1:08pm.