In a surprising turn of events, the Detroit Tigers pull off a surprising upset victory over the Cleveland Indians. The Indians had beaten the Tigers in 11 straight games up until today when the Tigers finally were able to defeat their demons and take out the Cleveland Indians 12-2.

The Tigers had some help throughout the game, though, including a key error on Francisco Lindor during the fifth inning that would allow Nick Castellanos to hit a three-run home run later in the inning to make it 8-2. Castellanos would also add a two-run double in the seventh inning to extend the lead to 10-2.

Photo Credit: Tony Dejak of AP
Nick Castellanos belts a three-run home run in the fifth inning | Tony Dejak - AP

Runs, runs, and more runs!

Also hitting a home run on the day for the Tigers was Cameron Maybin, who has had a big year hitting for average, but hit only his second home run this season this afternoon. 

In addition to Maybin and Castellanos' big days for the Tigers, Miguel Cabrera and Steven Moya also had two RBI games, Justin Upton also added an RBI. Getting the RBI for Cleveland were Francisco Lindor and Lonnie Chisenhall. Other notable hitters include Tyler Naquin for the Indians, who was the only Indian to have a multi-hit game, while Ian Kinsler went 3/4 today for the Tigers.

Michael Fulmer continues dominance

Photo Credit: David Richard of USA Today
Michael Fulmer delivers a pitch | David Richard - USA TODAY Sports

The Tigers starter to finally get the win against Cleveland was none other than Michael Fulmer, who has had a fantastic rookie year for the Tigers, and is an early favorite to be high in the voting for the rookie of the year award. Fulmer had a rough start to the season with four straight multi-run games, however, has rebounded well since.

After giving up four runs vs. the Baltimore Orioles on May 15, Michael Fulmer had not given up more than one run (earned or unearned) in his last seven straight before giving up two today. 

Fulmer, however, would keep a streak of earned runs going. Only one of Fulmer's runs this afternoon was earned, as the first came on a throwing error by Steven Moya. 

Even more impressive about Fulmer's performances this season was that 10 of 13 starts (including today's) were on the road. Through 17.1 innings pitched at Comerica Park this season, he has given up only two runs, one of which was a home run. He also has a 19-5 K/BB ratio as well.

Josh Tomlin, the losing pitcher this afternoon for the Cleveland Indians has also had a good year so far. Going into today's game he was 9-1 and a 1.12 WHIP and 3.51 ERA. The loss would also snap a 13 game straight home winning streak as well for the Indians.

Next meeting in September

The Tigers and Indians will next meet on September 16, once again at Progressive Field in Cleveland, setting up what could be a key three-game set in the division standings should both teams continue on the paths they are on this season.

The Tigers have done extremely well against teams not named Cleveland, while the Indians have done their best work against the Tigers.

The stretch between tomorrow and September 16 will be huge for Cleveland to prove they can beat teams not named the Detroit Tigers on a consistent basis, while the Tigers must continue to beat other teams prior to the next meeting. 

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About the author
Chris Robbins
Mostly cover Detroit Sports (Red Wings, Tigers, Lions, Pistons), Michigan and Michigan State athletics, as well as NCAA, National and International Gymnastics.