Indians Top Tigers 6-2 And 5-2, Sweep Doubleheader

The Indians have won four straight, three in a row at Detroit, to pull within 4 ½ games of the AL Central-leading Tigers.

Cleveland won the first game 6-2 thanks in large part to Corey Kluber's strong outing.

Chris Dickerson hit a pair of solo homers off Max Scherzer— in the third and sixth innings — to give Cleveland a 2-1 lead in the second game of the day-night doubleheader.

The Tigers tied it in the seventh when Austin Jackson hit a two-out triple to score Eugenio Suarez from first after he beat a throw on a potential double play to extend the inning.

The Indians loaded the bases in the ninth against Joe Nathan (4-3) with Roberto Perez's leadoff double, Jason Kipnis' walk and Michael Brantley's free pass and Santana took advantage, sending a pitch off the right-center wall to turn a 3-all game into a 6-3 lead.

Carlos Carrasco (3-3) pitched a perfect eighth and Cody Allen closed the game for his 13th save in 14 chances.

Scherzer gave up six hits, a season-high matching four walks and two runs — both to Cleveland's No. 9 hitter — over 5 2-3 innings that included a season-high 118 pitches.

Detroit's Ian Krol and Joba Chamberlain combined to pitch 2 2-3 innings of scoreless relief before Nathan gave up two hits, two walks — one intentional — and struck out two in the pivotal ninth.

Zach McAllister, the 26th man on the roster for the doubleheader, allowed only one run on three hits and three walks while striking out six over 5 1-13 innings. John Axford inherited Miguel Cabrera on second base and allowed him to get to third on a wild pitch, then stranded him by striking out J.D. Martinez and Torii Hunter to end the inning. Scott Atchison likely would have gotten out of the seventh inning without giving up a run if Kipnis did not appear to bobble the ball on a potential double play at second base that allowed Suarez to reach and later score on Jackson's triple.

The Indians could lean on their bullpen in the nightcap because Kluber pitched so well in the first game. He came within an out of a complete game, striking out 10 to lift the Indians to a 6-2 win in the opener.

Kluber allowed seven hits — three by Miguel Cabrera — and equaled his career high of 114 pitches. Bryan Shaw finally relieved him, but with another game still to come, Cleveland didn't have to use anyone else out of its bullpen.

"That was the only guy we warmed up," manager Terry Francona said. "That really helps."

Kluber (10-6) has thrown one complete game in his career, on April 24 against Kansas City.

Drew VerHagen (0-1) allowed three runs and five hits, lasting five innings in his major league debut. He struck out four of his first six batters, but the 23-year-old right-hander didn't fan another after that bright start.

"He gave us five solid innings," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said. "No complaints about Drew VerHagen whatsoever."

Cleveland's Yan Gomes had three hits and scored three runs on his 27th birthday.

Kluber struck out at least 10 for the fifth time this season.

"I located my fastball pretty well for the most part, pitched inside enough to keep them honest," Kluber said. "I'm not trying to strike guys out. My game plan is to go out there and pound the strike zone. If it happens to get some swing-and-misses, great. If it happens to get some early outs, great."

NOTES: Cleveland acquired Dickerson earlier this month in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named or cash to add depth while Michael Bourn is out with a strained left hamstring. ... The day-night doubleheader was scheduled because of an April 15 postponement. There was a light drizzle during the early innings Saturday, but no delays. ... Detroit's Nick Castellanos struck out three times and Holaday threw out three runners on steal attempts in the first game. ... Cabrera is 15 for 28 (.536) against Kluber.

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AP Baseball Writer Noah Trister contributed to this report.

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