By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com

Indians 9, Tigers 3 – The Cleveland Indians put up six runs in the fifth inning to lead them to their third sweep over the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.

LSJ Logo incertThe Indians, who are 9-0 against Detroit this season, outscored the Tigers 22-8 over the weekend.

Detroit took its first lead against the Indians with a solo home run by Mike Aviles in the third inning.

The Indians responded with two runs in the fourth inning before the Tigers tied the game 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth.

Cleveland put up six runs in the fifth to take an 8-2 lead before both teams exchanged a run later in the contest.Eye on the D

The Indians were paced by Lonnie Chisenhall with a triple, home run and three RBIs while Mike Napoli added a homer and two RBIs.

Victor Martinez led Detroit with a pair of solo home runs.

Detroit’s starting pitcher Justin Verlander picked up his third loss against the Indians this season, allowing eight runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings.

The Tigers are now 38-38 on the season, good for a third place tie in the American League Central Division behind the first-place Cleveland Indians.

Detroit will close its home stand with a two-game series against the Miami Marlins starting on Tuesday night.

Record: 38-38

Tied for 3rd Place in AL Central Division (7 games behind first-place Cleveland)

2.5 games behind Toronto for last Wild Card spot

Magic # to clinch a playoff spot: 89

Magic # to clinch an AL Central Division title: 95

Next Game: 06/28/2016 vs. Miami Marlins 7:10 p.m. @ Comerica Park

Hitting stats: Victor Martinez 2 HR (14) 2 RBI (40), Mike Aviles HR (1) RBI (6)

Pitching stats: Justin Verlander L (7-6) 4.2 IP 9 H 8 R 8 ER 2 BB 5 K.