CLEVELAND _ The Indians' winning ways continued, though this time the offense found its rhythm in a 5-1 win against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field.
After not being able to collect more than four hits in three consecutive games _ even though they still won all three _ the Indians strung together six hits in a four-run fourth to pull away in support of starter Carlos Carrasco, who pitched a complete game.
Facing Daniel Norris, who entered the game after starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Jason Kipnis in the first inning, Jose Ramirez and Michael Brantley opened the fourth inning with singles. Yonder Alonso followed by ripping a two-run single to right field, and Tyler Naquin and Francisco Lindor then each added an RBI single to put the Indians up 4-0.
On Zimmermann's seventh pitch of the game, Kipnis lined a ball that hit Zimmermann's right jaw/cheek area. He left the game, passed the concussion tests and was sent to undergo X-ray imaging. Kipnis reacted instantly, making an anguished face before he had even dropped his bat. As he reached first base, he put both hands on his helmet.
Brantley added another RBI single in the seventh to extend the lead to 5-1.
The Indians (7-5) have now won five of the six games on this homestand and their last 10 against the Tigers dating back to last season.
Carrasco (3-0) gave the bullpen the night off, allowing one run on only three hits and two walks to go with six strikeouts in his ninth career complete game. It was the fifth consecutive game in which the Indians have allowed one or zero runs.
