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Tigers, Indians go at it again at Comerica Park

Sep 27, 2011 - 2:49 PM (Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers try to continue their recent mastery of the Cleveland Indians this evening when they play the middle test of their three-game series at Comerica Park.

The Tigers have dominated this matchup of late, winning their last eight against the Tribe, who had posted wins in six of the first eight meetings between the rivals this season.

In Monday's opener, Delmon Young's three-run home run was part of an eight-run eighth inning in Detroit's 14-0 drubbing of the Tribe. 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.

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.

"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."

Heading to the hill for the Tigers will be righty Max Scherzer, who is 14-9 with a 4.37 ERA. Scherzer, Detroit's likely Game 3 starter in the ALDS, did not get a decision on Wednesday in Kansas City, as he allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.

Scherzer beat the Indians the last time he faced them and is 3-3 in seven starts against the Tribe with a 4.79 ERA.

Cleveland, meanwhile, will rely on righty Jeanmar Gomez, who has won his last five starts. Gomez beat the Chicago White Sox his last time out, holding them to one earned run in six innings.

He is 1-1 in three starts versus the Tigers with a 4.60 ERA.