Tigers survive Indians at Comerica

6-4 win comes as Tribe tried to mount late rally.

6/8/2013

DETROIT — Rick Porcello pitched six strong innings and closer Jose Valverde withstood another shaky appearance as the Tigers beat the Indians 6-4 today at Comerica Park.

Porcello allowed two runs — one earned — over six innings to give the Tigers their 14th quality start in the past 15 games and extend Cleveland's misery.

The Indians lost their sixth straight and 14th in 18 games, falling 4 1/2 games behind the AL Central-leading Tigers. It was their 10th straight loss on the road.

Detroit jumped early on Carlos Carrasco, who was called up for a spot after the Indians placed Zach McAllister on the disabled list with a sore right middle finger. The Tigers scored four in the second inning and two in the third, then held on.

Closer Jose Valverde, called upon to protect a 6-4 lead in the ninth, allowed a one-out walk and a single to put the tying run on base. But he answered with back-to-back strikeouts of Ryan Raburn and Mike Aviles to earn his eighth save.