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Sanchez sharp as Tigers blank Cubs

Jun 10, 2015 - 4:23 AM Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Anibal Sanchez ended a two-start losing streak with 7 2/3 scoreless innings as the Detroit Tigers downed the Chicago Cubs 6-0 in the opener of a two-game set.

Sanchez (4-7) struck out seven and scattered six hits and two walks to help the Tigers win a third straight game.

"I think it was an important game for him," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said of Sanchez. "I think he feels at times he should pitch better. Tonight, I think he showed himself that he is very capable of being a dominant pitcher."

Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-3 with a walk, RBI and run scored in the win, while Ian Kinsler and Nick Castellanos each drove in two for Detroit.

Cubs starter Jon Lester (4-5) was charged with five runs on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings. Lester has been given a loss in each of his last three starts, and the Cubs are winless in his last four outings.

"Not good, not good, not getting deep in games" Lester said. "I gotta do a better job of pitching innings, that's what it comes down to."

The Cubs had their two-game winning streak halted.

Rajai Davis doubled to begin the home first, moved up on a passed ball by Cubs catcher David Ross and scored the game's first run on Cabrera's single to center.

In the top of the second, Ross lifted a high fly ball to left center in which Davis leaped and snared out of the air before crashing into the fence.

Detroit opened the game up through the fourth and the sixth innings.

Cabrera and Yoenis Cespedes singled to start the bottom of the fourth, then both scored later in the frame on Castellano's base hit to left.

The Tigers put up two more in the fifth, knocking Lester from the game, but could have gotten more. Jose Iglesias singled to lead things off and was cut down by Ross attempting to steal second before Davis tripled to center. Kinsler knocked Davis in with a double and J.D. Martinez sent an RBI single into left later in the frame for a 5-0 advantage.

Josh Wilson doubled to begin the Tigers' sixth and came around on Kinsler's two-out RBI knock off Edwin Jackson.

Sanchez got the first two outs of the eighth before allowing a single to Dexter Fowler and consecutive walks to Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. Joba Chamberlain came on and struck out Miguel Montero to end the inning.

Game Notes

Newly appointed Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill tossed out the ceremonial first pitch ... Lester has dropped three straight starts to the Tigers, last winning on Oct. 17, 2013 in Game 5 of the ALCS while with the Red Sox ... Sanchez improved to 3-2 in six career starts against the Cubs.