Cabrera leaves after 2 innings, Tigers top Indians 7-2 in rain-shortened game

8/31/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Comerica Park grounds crew members pull the tarp across the field as rain falls during the seventh inning Friday in Detroit.
Comerica Park grounds crew members pull the tarp across the field as rain falls during the seventh inning Friday in Detroit.

DETROIT — Despite another early exit by injured Miguel Cabrera, the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 7-2 Friday night in a game stopped after seven innings because of rain.

Victor Martinez doubled twice and drove in two runs as the AL Central-leading Tigers opened a 7½-game lead over second-place Cleveland.

Cabrera was pulled from a second straight game, this time after two innings because of irritation in his abdominal area. He struck out in his only at-bat.

Cabrera left Thursday’s game after hurting his abdomen while making an awkward slide. He has been bothered by a strained left abdominal wall for over a month and hampered by knee and shin injuries since then.

The slugger leads the majors with 130 RBIs and a .358 batting average. He also has 43 home runs.