Detroit Tigers Cruise Past the Cleveland Indians, 4-1

The Detroit Tigers struck quickly with two first-inning runs and Alfredo Simon took command on the mound to earn a 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Simon threw 111-pitches in six-and-two-thirds innings. He only struck out three but held the Indians to one run on six hits to run his 2015 record to 4-0.

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Rajai Davis kicked the Tigers’ offense into gear from the leadoff spot with two hits and a walk, scoring all three times he reached base.

T.J. House, starting in place of the ill Trevor Bauer, gave up a first inning bloop single down the right-field line to Davis. Ian Kinsler and Miguel Cabrera followed with walks to load the bases. Victor Martinez cashed in with a single to break an 0 for 19 streak and drive in Davis and Kinsler for the early 2-0 lead.

The Indians cut that lead in half in the top of the third. With one out Jason Kipnis legged out a single to shortstop, then stole second. Michael Brantley, who went 4 for 4 on the day, singled to drive in Kipnis. The rally died when Carlos Santana grounded to Jose Iglesias to end the inning.

The Tigers put the game out of reach in the bottom of the inning when Davis lead off with a walk. After Kinsler struck out Davis stole second. Cleveland decided to intentionally walk Cabrera but Martinez made them pay with a single to score Davis for a 3-1 lead.

The Tigers added one more run in the bottom of the fourth while Simon cruised into the seventh in complete control of the game. Tom Gorzelanny entered the game in the seventh and retired three of the five batters he faced then handed the game off to Joakim Soria who picked up his sixth save of the season.

The Tigers go for their second series win over the Indians this season tomorrow afternoon with Kyle Lobstein on the mound looking for his second win of the season against Carlos Carrasco.