DETROIT, Mich. (AP) – Drew Smyly allowed four hits in seven innings and Torii Hunter hit a two-run homer, helping the Detroit Tigers beat the Indians 5-1 Sunday to avoid a four-game sweep.
Cleveland (50-48) had reached a season-high three games over .500 by winning four in a row.
The AL Central-leading Tigers (54-41) stopped a four-game losing streak and increased their lead over Cleveland to 5-1/2 games.
Smyly (6-8) did not give up a hit until Yan Gomes’ two-out double in the fifth. The left-hander allowed one run on Gomes’ solo home run in the seventh — and two walks with six strikeouts. Joba Chamberlain walked to in the eighth, and Joe Nathan pitched a perfect ninth in a non-save situation.
Josh Tomlin (5-7) allowed four runs, six hits and a walk over 4-1/3 innings.