DETROIT -- Carlos Carrasco's run wasn't going to continue until the end of the season. Also expecting the Indians to be able to sustain their run of success in Detroit was going to be a tall task too.
Both ended in Friday's series opener at Comerica Park as the Tigers handed the Tribe a 7-2 loss. With the win, the Tigers move back into first in the AL Central for the first time since Aug. 10 as they lead Kansas City by a half game and the Indians by 4 1/2.
Carrasco, who came into the game allowing just three earned runs in his last six starts (38 2/3 innings) gave up four runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five. The right-hander's four-game win streak also came to an end as he fell to 7-5.
"He continues to be a real good pitcher. Tonight against their lineup when you make a mistake they can make you pay for it," manager Terry Francona said.
In many ways, this game resembled what happened on Labor Day when the two teams began a four-game set in Cleveland -- David Price and the middle of the Tigers' lineup was dominant.
The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the second on a Ryan Raburn homer but the Tigers tied it in the third when Nick Castellanos singled to lead off the inning and then scored on a two-out double by Ian Kinsler.
The mistake though came in the fourth when J.D. Martinez hit an 0-1 sinker to left-center to make it 3-1. The inning began when Miguel Cabrera hit a liner right at Carrasco that bounced off his glove. Carrasco tried to gather himself but his throw to first was offline as Cabrera advanced to second on the throwing error.
"The ball that Miggy hit back at him he landed hard on his other elbow. That looked like it shook him for a little bit," Francona said. "He threw Martinez a good breaking ball to start the at-bat and then came off the plate down under, caught way too much of the plate and that was a big blow."
Said Carrasco of the home run by Martinez: "I think I try to throw a sinker inside and it stayed in the middle and he hit it."
Once again the middle of the Tigers order had their way, going 5 for 12 with three runs scored and five RBI. While Cabrera and Victor Martinez have caused the Indians headaches for years, J.D. Martinez has been a giant migraine this season.
After starting the year in Triple-A, Martinez is batting .327 against the Tribe in 14 games with six home runs and 18 RBI. After going 2 for 4 with a home run, triple and four RBI on Friday, he is 8 for 21 in the past five games with three homers and eight RBI.
"He's been a huge find for them because he started out in Triple-A and is now hitting fifth for them. It makes getting through Victor and Miggy that much tougher," Francona said.
Price improves to 7-1 lifetime against the Tribe after going 7 2/3 innings and allowing one run on eight hits while striking out seven. Since being traded to the Tigers from the Rays on July 31, the lefty has gone seven or more innings while allowing one run or fewer in four of his eight starts.
The only mistake Price made was when Raburn jumped on a fastball on the first pitch of the at-bat and drove it to left-center for a home run. Lonnie Chisenhall would follow with a single and advance to third on a Mike Aviles double but Michael Bourn grounded out to end the inning.
After allowing a Jesus Ramirez single to start the third, Price retired 11 of the next 12 batters he faced. It wasn't until the ninth, when Jason Giambi drew a walk and scored on a Chisenhall double to right-center off Jim Johnson that a Tribe baserunner got past second.
"He's got four-plus pitches -- fastball, cutter, slider, changeup. He hits his spots and attacks guys," said Raburn, who was 2 for 3. "He goes right after them. Against him you have to (be aggressive). If he gets strike one on you, no telling what he is going to do with his next pitch."
The Tigers lead the Central for the first time since Aug. 10. When dropping the series opener, the Indians have won only seven of 26 series.
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