The Tigers out-hit Cleveland all night, but it was the Indians that had two runs up on the scoreboard through eight innings.
In the top of the ninth, trailing 2-0 in Cleveland, the Tigers pulled out an improbable 4-2 comeback win.
Prince Fielder led off the inning with a double to the left field corner. Then, Victor Martinez singled Fielder home, 2-1.
Andy Dirks walked.
Avila!
Alex Avila stepped up to the plate and skied one clear of the outfield wall in left-center, changing the game to a 4-2 Tigers lead. No outs. We would load up the bases before getting three outs.
Anibal Sanchez pitched 7 and 2/3 innings, throwing 114 pitches and striking out 11 while only giving up four hits, two walks, and two earned runs. Joaquin Benoit saved the game in the 9th with a 1-2-3 effort.