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Tigers crush Tribe, Fister extends winning streak

Sep 27, 2011 - 5:18 AM Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Delmon Young's three-run home run was part of an eight-run eighth inning as the Detroit Tigers dominated the Cleveland Indians, 14-0, in the opener of a season-ending series.

The AL Central-champion Tigers are still fighting for positioning in the upcoming playoffs and remain one game behind Texas, which beat the Angels on Monday, for the second spot in the upcoming American League playoffs.

Alex Avila and Andy Dirks each drove in three runs while Ryan Raburn brought home two for the Tigers, who have won three of four.

"We swung the bats really well today against a good pitcher," said Detroit manager Jim Leyland. "We just have to play this out and see what happens."

Doug Fister (11-13) went eight innings to win his fifth straight game and seventh consecutive decision. He gave up just three hits and struck out nine.

Ubaldo Jimenez (4-4) was tagged for six runs on nine hits over just five innings for the Indians, who need to win one more to guarantee at least a .500 season.

"It's been a tough season but I've learned from it," said Jimenez. "I'm going to take everything I can out of this and get ready for next season."

Raburn tripled home Avila in the second inning for the only run Detroit needed.

Miguel Cabrera brought home one more in the third with a single while Avila hit a two-run double later in the frame for a 4-0 lead.

Fister set down the first 11 batters he faced until Asdrubal Cabrera hit a two-out single in the fourth.

Victor Martinez and Avila each brought home a run in the fifth with a double and single, respectively.

The Tigers exploded in the eighth inning. Dirks scored one with an RBI single and Don Kelly later drove home a run. Young then blasted a shot over the left field wall with two on base. Raburn hit a run-scoring single and Dirks added a two-run double in the frame for a 14-0 lead.

Game Notes

Detroit has won 10 of the 15 games against Cleveland this season...It was not the highest margin of victory this season for Detroit as the team beat the White Sox, 18-2, on September 4. However, it was the largest defeat of the season for the Indians.