The 12th time is the charm as the Tigers finally beat the Indians
CLEVELAND -- Nick Castellanos had three hits, including a three-run homer, and tied his career high with five RBI Wednesday to lead Detroit over Cleveland 12-2 and stop the Indians' home winning streak at 13.
Cameron Maybin hit a two-run homer and Ian Kinsler had three singles for the Tigers, who overcame a 2-0, fourth-inning deficit and beat the Indians for the first time in 12 meetings this year.
Rookie Michael Fulmer (9-2) allowed two runs (one earned) and five hits in six innings, improving to 7-1 with a 0.63 ERA in his last nine starts.
Josh Tomlin (9-2) retired his first nine batters, then gave up hits to four of his next five and lost for the first time since May 30. He allowed eight runs, tying his major-league high, and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Three of the runs were unearned because of an error by All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who allowed Victor Martinez's two-out grounder to bounce off his glove on a short hop. Castellanos homered over the 400-foot sign in center on the next pitch for an 8-2 lead, chasing Tomlin.
Cleveland leads the AL Central by 6 1/2 games over second-place Detroit and has the majors' best record since from June 1 at 25-9. The Indians' 13-game home winning streak was the longest in the big leagues since Cleveland won 14 in a row from April 3-May 10, 2011.
Castellanos, who returned to the lineup after sitting out Tuesday with flu-like symptoms, had his second five-RBI game. He hit his 16th homer, then doubled home two runs in the seventh off Zach McAllister.
Maybin's two-run homer had tied the score in the fourth, when Justin Upton hit a sacrifice fly.
Fulmer entered the afternoon having allowed one run or fewer in eight consecutive starts, matching the second-longest streak in big-league history behind Bob Gibson's 11 for the 1968 St. Louis Cardinals.
Michael Fulmer
Tigers: RHP Jordan Zimmermann (right neck strain) underwent tests Wednesday to determine why pain is radiating toward his shoulder. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday.
Indians: C Roberto Perez (broken right thumb) is 1-for-2 with two runs through two games of his rehabilitation assignment in the Arizona Rookie League. He has been on the DL since May 1.
Tigers: RHP Justin Verlander opens a four-game series Thursday in Toronto. The former AL Cy Young winner has 115 strikeouts in 111 2/3 innings this season.
Indians: RHP Trevor Bauer will start Thursday against the visiting Yankees in the opener of a four-game series. He threw five shutout innings of relief July 1 in Toronto.
