Rival watch: Tigers beat Phillies 2-1, push lead over Indians to 3.5 games

Published Jul. 26, 2013 9:42 p.m. ET

foxsports

DETROIT (AP) -- Alex Avila's two-run double in the fifth inning put Detroit ahead, and Doug Fister pitched eight impressive innings for the Tigers in a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.
Cole Hamels (4-13) was trying to protect a 1-0 lead for the Phillies when he allowed the bottom of Detroit's batting order to break through. After a one-out walk to Hernan Perez, Ramon Santiago and Avila hit back-to-back doubles.

Santiago was playing third base in place of slugger Miguel Cabrera, who hasn't played since Monday because of an injured left hip.
Fister (9-5) allowed three hits and an unearned run. Joaquin Benoit pitched the ninth for his 10th save in 10 chances.
Darin Ruf grounded out with a man on third to end it.